Share via

The Apostrophe Vs the Single Quote

Anonymous
2016-03-10T18:05:20+00:00

In order to use an apostrophe when typing a contraction (such as the word can’t), one has to use the “single quote” key and then click “undo.” The “undo” automatically changes the single quote to an apostrophe. That’s not very practical when you’re typing long manuscripts. I wonder if Microsoft would consider adding the apostrophe to the list of symbols so that we can globally “search and replace.”

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

14 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Doug Robbins - MVP - Office Apps and Services 322.9K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2016-03-11T00:40:17+00:00

    Go to File>Options>Proofing>AutoCorrect Options and on the AutoFormat As You Type tab of the AutoCorrect dialog, uncheck the box for "Straight quotes" with "smart quotes".

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2016-03-10T22:29:58+00:00

    Hi Florence,

    Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Office Community.

    As per this issue, I would suggest you to send your feedback through Word user voice. Please click on the link below to provide a feedback regarding this issue:

    https://word.uservoice.com/

    Hope it helps. Please post to us if you need any further assistance with Office.

    Thank you.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2016-03-19T13:04:02+00:00

    Adding the apostrophe to the list of symbols in Word appears to me to be the best solution and (I would think) something easy to do.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2016-03-11T13:41:23+00:00

    What a great site! Thank you for sharing it. My suggestion has been submitted.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  5. Paul Edstein 82,861 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2016-03-11T04:11:57+00:00

    Cross-posted (and answered) at: http://www.msofficeforums.com/word/30354-apostrophe-vs-single-quote.html

    For cross-posting etiquette, please read: http://www.excelguru.ca/content.php?184

    As advised at MS Office Forums, you could turn off the auto-correct function for smart quotes, but that affects all single and double quotes, with the result that you'll only ever get straight quotes for both.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments