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How to Select Text in Microsoft Word with a Screen Reader

Table of Contents

Why Selecting Text Is Important

Text selection is needed for almost every editing task. For example, you may want to:

  • Copy or cut content
  • Change font or formatting
  • Delete or replace text
  • Apply bold, underline, or color

Moreover, for screen reader users, selection also gives spoken feedback about what is selected. As a result, it becomes easier to control the document.

How Selection Works with Screen Reader

Selection always starts from the current cursor position.

  • If you select rightward, it selects the current item and moves right
  • On the other hand, if you select leftward, it selects the item before the cursor

In addition, your screen reader will announce each selected part (e.g., “c selected”, “o selected”), helping you stay aware.

How to Select Text

Use Shift + navigation keys to select text.

Action Reading Key Selection Key
Next character Right Arrow Shift + Right Arrow
Previous character Left Arrow Shift + Left Arrow
Next word Ctrl + Right Arrow Ctrl + Shift + Right Arrow
Previous word Ctrl + Left Arrow Ctrl + Shift + Left Arrow

Examples: Understanding Cursor and Selection Behavior

Example 1: Selecting Characters

Sentence: We learn computer.

Cursor is on the letter c of computer:

  • First, press Shift + Right Arrow → “c selected”, “o selected” and so on
  • Alternatively, Shift + Left Arrow → “space selected”, “n selected” and so on

Example 2: Selecting Words

Cursor on learn:

  • Ctrl + Shift + Right Arrow → selects “learn” and space after
  • Ctrl + Shift + Left Arrow → selects “We”

Cursor on p in computer:

  • Right → selects “puter”
  • Left → selects “com”

Note: It also selects the space after a word.

Paragraph Selection – From Cursor to Start or End

  • Ctrl + Shift + Down Arrow → selects from cursor to end of paragraph
  • Ctrl + Shift + Up Arrow → selects from cursor to beginning of paragraph

Tip: To select the full paragraph, press CTRL + Shift + Up Arrow first. Then, apply formatting or delete if needed.

Line Selection – Avoiding Common Mistakes

Sometimes users forget to move the cursor to the start of the line. As a result, only part of the line gets selected.

Correct Line Selection

  • First, use the Home key
  • Then press Shift + Down Arrow to select full line(s)

To Select Only Current Line

  • Shift + End – From cursor to end of line
  • Shift + Home – From cursor to start of line

List of All Selection Commands in Word

Character Selection

  • Shift + Right Arrow – select next character
  • Shift + Left Arrow – select previous character

Word Selection

  • Ctrl + Shift + Right Arrow – next word
  • Ctrl + Shift + Left Arrow – previous word

Line Selection

  • Shift + End – to end of line
  • Shift + Home – to start of line
  • Shift + Down Arrow – next line
  • Shift + Up Arrow – previous line

Paragraph Selection

  • Ctrl + Shift + Down Arrow – to end of paragraph
  • Ctrl + Shift + Up Arrow – to beginning of paragraph

Document Selection

  • Ctrl + Shift + End – to end of document
  • Ctrl + Shift + Home – to top of document
  • Ctrl + A – select entire document

How to Unselect Text

Unselect All

To unselect everything instantly, press any arrow key.

Unselect Step-by-Step

  • Shift + Right or Left Arrow – unselect letter by letter
  • Ctrl + Shift + Arrow – unselect words or paragraphs

Thus, you can undo any unwanted selection step-by-step.

FAQs About Text Selection in Word

Can I use these commands with NVDA?

Yes, these selection shortcuts work with NVDA, JAWS, and Windows Narrator.

Why is only part of the line selected?

It’s because your cursor is in the middle of the line. First, press Home to move to the beginning before selecting.

How can I select only the current paragraph?

Move to the start of the paragraph using Ctrl + Up Arrow, then use Ctrl + Shift + Down Arrow.

Do these commands work in Word Online?

Some do, but for full keyboard support, it’s better to use the desktop version of Microsoft Word.

Conclusion: Practice Makes You Pro

Mastering text selection in Word using a screen reader helps you become faster, more confident, and productive.

If you know where your cursor is, and understand the direction you’re selecting in, then using the right shortcut becomes easy. Therefore, keep practicing!

Want to Learn More?

Join our free screen reader training program for blind users. Learn Word, Excel, navigation, and editing skills using JAWS, NVDA, and Narrator.

Visit assistive.pk or subscribe to our YouTube channel @PATFPK.

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