#73: The Magic Formula for Replacing Initials

I use acronyms or initials all the time when I'm writing, but unless I'm really pressed for space, I spell them out in the final version. I don't want to lose my reader in a morass of initials. (I wrote about avoiding acronyms here.)

CBO, NYS, DV, OJJDP, SAMHSA, NYC, DOH, clients names, DOE, DOJ, HHS, UNICEF,

I just found a neat trick that will save time in editing -- find and replace acronyms.

Of course, there's a secret code: <[A-Z]{2,}>

You plug the code into "Find what:" on the Edit menu, rub your magic mood ring, and click on Find or Replace. Make sure you've checked "Use wildcards."

If you don't see the Search Options above, you'll see "More" where it says "Less" in this image. Click "More" then "Use wildcards."

Yes, it really works. Now, you can happily and quickly move through the document and decide which acronyms to spell out.

Thanks to LifeHacker reader Scott. And to bigvince1981 who recommended a free a document called "Advanced Find and Replace for Microsoft Word" at [www.editorium.com] As he said, "Who knew you could write 20 pages about find and replace. But it's an excellent (and free) read."

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