How to find (highlight) two and more words in a list of 75k single words in Word 2010

Usora · #1 05-27-2018, 05:43 AM

Hello. I am working with a list of 75k words (most are single) and need to identify about 9k phrases (two words and more) within the list, to highlight and have borders around each.

I am using Word 2010, 32bit. The reason why i'm still using this is because i'm running foreign language fonts that only work with this version. I'm on Windows 10 64bit OS.

I do not know how to create macros or anything like that. Please help me help myself in easiest way possible using layman terminology.

Thanks kindly

Guessed · #2 05-27-2018, 03:15 PM

How are the words separated from each other? Is it a space or is each new word/phrase in a new paragraph?

This would be easier if you posted a short sample document that shows both individual words and phrases.

Usora · #3 05-28-2018, 07:09 AM

Thanks Andrew, the list is in a language (Amharic) to which you wouldn't have the font for so you wouldn't be able to see it. But just imagine single words listed vertically (double spaced) in 4 columns. Some in the list happen to be phrases with 2-6 words separated by space. If space in their respective column is not enough horizontally for the multiple word phrase, text wraps in single space.

Does that give you adequate mental image?

I seek to find/highlight all in list that are more than just a single word.

macropod · #4 05-28-2018, 04:08 PM

Without actually seeing the document, it can be difficult to provide a solution. It makes a great deal of difference whether you're using a Word table or tabs, for example, to create the columns. Can you attach a document to a post with some representative data (delete anything sensitive)? You do this via the paperclip symbol on the 'Go Advanced' tab at the bottom of this screen.

Guessed · #5 05-28-2018, 07:31 PM

If we assume that each list item is in its own paragraph...

If you want a border around the paragraphs then it should be done with a paragraph style. So the first step would be to create a paragraph style with a border and shading that you would like. Then you can run a macro like the following where 'Body Text' is the style you want for the multi-word paras.

Code:

Sub HighlightPhrases()
  Dim aPar As Paragraph
  ActiveDocument.Range.Style = "Normal"
  For Each aPar In ActiveDocument.Paragraphs
    If aPar.Range.Words.Count > 2 Then aPar.Style = "Body Text"
  Next aPar
End Sub

Usora · #6 05-29-2018, 02:22 AM

Paul, i appreciate the your response. However, i find that it's easy to just do it manually. Thank you for the sensible reply.

Usora · #7 05-29-2018, 02:27 AM

Andrew, thank you soo much! Since running a macro is above my abilities, I have decided to do the work manually. I sincerely appreciate your help though.

macropod · #8 05-29-2018, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Usora

Since running a macro is above my abilities

Somehow I doubt that is so. Beyond your experience maybe, but hardly likely to be beyond your abilities. For PC macro installation & usage instructions, see: http://www.gmayor.com/installing_macro.htm

macropod · #9 05-29-2018, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Usora

Paul, i appreciate the your response. However, i find that it's easy to just do it manually.

If you were to actually provide a sample as requested, you might find what you're after could be done via Find/Replace, which would be far simpler than doing them manually one at a time...

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