I have been having a lot of problems with keeping successive lines of text together. For example, the document i am working on now, has a series of short paragraphs 2-3 line each, which are number, (3.1, 3.2, etc.), and i haven't changed anything in the "lines and paragraph settings", and i will keep writing, and when i return to this page, there will only be one or two paragraphs on this page, and 3/4 of the page will be blank. I can select a couple of paragraphs from each of the two pages, and open the paragraph settings and tell it "keep with next", and it will pull some of the paragraphs up from the next page, but still leaves considerable white space at the bottom of page. If i repeat the process, it kicks everything down to the next page, and leaves the entire first page blank. I am spending more time formatting the document than i am working.

First, turn on display of non-printing formatting marks.
Showing non-printing formatting marks in Microsoft Word
My guess is that you will see some little black squares in the left margin.

Second, check the settings for paragraph formatting for "keep with next" and keep lines together. Try turning off "keep with next" except where you truly want that.

If that works, here is some reading:
Basic Concepts of Microsoft Word - from Shauna Kelly
How to create numbered headings or outline numbering in Ribbon Versions of Word by Shauna Kelly
Understanding Styles in Microsoft Word

In a relatively short time, reading these will save you time and prevent frustration.

If it didn't work, write back with what you found when you looked and what happened.

Thanks for the response. I generally only click on "keep with next" when i am trying to force the lines to stay on the same page. Should "widow/orphan" control be checked? and should "keep lines together" be checked?

Did you turn on the marks?
Did you see little black squares?
Did you look at the actual settings or just rely on your memory of what you normally do?

Ordinarily, widow/orphan should be checked. That will not cause the problems you are seeing.

With long paragraphs, keep lines together can cause problems. It is more prone to causing problems when joined with keep with next.

yes i did turn on marks, i did not see any little black squares, i normally have widow/orphan control checked, and i am normally dealing with shorter paragraphs.

Are there any blank paragraphs present?

Could you share an example document with us? Click the Go Advanced button and then you can attach a file in Word format.

__________________
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional

How to attach a screenshot or file in this forum.