How to Change Apostrophe Style in Microsoft Word 2010

Microsoft Office 2007 and 2010 versions have similar features and functionality.

The apostrophe serves a few important purposes in the structure of words, phrases and sentences. This symbol might appear before a decade, such as the '20s. The automatic formatting in Microsoft's Word 2010 changes the standard, straight apostrophe into a curved apostrophe. If you want to disable this special formatting, you can change these settings within the Word program to make your preference permanent.

Instructions

1. Open Word 2010. Select the "File" tab. Choose "Options" under "Help" in the left pane.

2. Select "Proofing." Choose "AutoCorrect Options" in the AutoCorrect Options section.

3. Select the "AutoFormat As You Type" tab. To prevent straight apostrophes from automatically curving, un-check the box next to "Straight Quotes" With "Smart Quotes." Otherwise, leave a check mark in the box.

4. Click "OK" to save your preference and close the dialog box.

Tips & Warnings

• On a temporary or one-time basis, use the "AutoCorrect Options" button that appears next to the formatted apostrophe to change it back to the straight apostrophe.

References

• Microsoft Office: Word 2010: Undo or Turn off Automatic Formatting
• Word Tips: Using Correct Apostrophes (Microsoft Word)

Resources

• Tech Republic: 10 Annoying Word Features (And How to Turn Them Off)