Scoring through text in Word, often called "strikethrough," is a simple way to show that certain words or phrases should be ignored or are no longer relevant. You can achieve this with just a few steps, whether you’re using Word on a computer or a mobile device. This guide will walk you through the process in detail, making it easy to follow along and apply in your own documents.
How to Score Through Text in Word
Follow these steps to apply strikethrough to text in a Microsoft Word document:
Step 1: Open Your Document
Open the Word document where you want to score through text.
Make sure your document is ready to edit. If it’s a new document, type in the text you need first. If it’s an existing one, just find the text you want to modify.
Step 2: Highlight the Text
Select the text that you want to score through.
Click and drag your mouse over the text, or hold down the Shift key and use the arrow keys to highlight the desired words. You can also double-click to select a single word or triple-click to select an entire paragraph.
Step 3: Find the Strikethrough Option
Navigate to the Home tab on the Word toolbar.
Look for the Home tab at the top of the Word window. This is where most of the text formatting options are located.
Step 4: Click the Strikethrough Button
In the Font group, click the Strikethrough button.
The Strikethrough button looks like an "abc" with a line through it. Click this button to apply the strikethrough effect to the highlighted text immediately.
Step 5: Check Your Text
Verify that the text now appears with a line through it.
Ensure that the strikethrough effect has been applied correctly. If it hasn’t, you may need to retry the previous steps to make sure everything is selected and clicked properly.
After following these steps, your text will have a line through it, indicating that it should be ignored or is no longer relevant. This can be particularly helpful in editing, revising, or showing changes in a document.
Tips for Scoring Through Text in Word
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: On Windows, use Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog box and then select Strikethrough. On Mac, use Command + D.
- Double Strikethrough: For extra emphasis, you can use the double strikethrough option found in the Font dialog box.
- Consistent Formatting: Apply strikethrough consistently to avoid confusion, especially in collaborative documents.
- Undo Changes Quickly: Use Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Command + Z (Mac) to undo strikethrough if applied by mistake.
- Combine with Other Formatting: Strikethrough can be combined with other text effects like bold or italic to highlight ignored text that still needs attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove strikethrough from text?
To remove it, highlight the text and click the Strikethrough button again, or use the Font dialog box to uncheck the Strikethrough option.
Can I apply strikethrough to a portion of a word?
Yes, you can apply strikethrough to any selected portion of text, including parts of a word.
Does strikethrough work in all versions of Word?
Strikethrough is available in most modern versions of Word, though the exact steps may vary slightly between versions.
Can I use strikethrough in Word Online?
Yes, but you may need to access the Font formatting options from the toolbar or menu.
Are there other ways to show deleted text?
Yes, you can also use the Track Changes feature in Word to show deletions and other edits.
Summary
- Open your document.
- Highlight the text.
- Find the Strikethrough option.
- Click the Strikethrough button.
- Check your text.
Conclusion
Scoring through text in Word is a straightforward yet powerful tool that can help you keep track of changes, indicate deletions, or simply highlight text that is no longer relevant. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily apply this formatting option and enhance your document editing process. Remember, keeping your formatting clear and consistent is key to effective communication, especially when collaborating with others.
If you found this guide helpful, why not dive deeper into other text formatting options in Word? Mastering these tools can significantly improve your document editing skills and make your work more efficient. Happy editing!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.