When you’re writing an essay, a report, or any kind of document, there are times when you need to exclude certain words from the word count. Maybe you have a maximum word limit, or you want to discount filler words. Whatever the reason, it’s helpful to know how to do this efficiently. In just a few steps, you can learn how to exclude words from word count and keep your writing concise and within the required limits.
How to Exclude Words from Word Count Tutorial
Excluding words from word count might seem tricky, but it’s quite a straightforward process. By following the steps below, you’ll be able to exclude any unwanted words from your document’s word count.
Step 1: Identify the Words to Exclude
Identify the words you wish to exclude from the word count.
When you’re looking to exclude words from word count, the first thing you need to do is to decide which words you don’t want to be counted. These could be specific terms, repetitive filler words, or even entire sections that should be omitted from the final count.
Step 2: Use the Find and Replace Feature
Use the ‘Find and Replace’ feature in your word processor to highlight the words you want to exclude.
Most word processors have a ‘Find and Replace’ feature. Use this to locate each instance of the word or words you want to exclude. You can either manually highlight them or use a specific formatting to indicate that these words should not be counted.
Step 3: Manually Adjust the Word Count
Subtract the total number of excluded words from the overall word count.
After you’ve identified and highlighted all the words to exclude, you’ll need to manually count them. Once you have the total number of excluded words, subtract this number from the word count displayed by your word processor.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have an adjusted word count that doesn’t include the words or sections you wanted to exclude. It’s a simple process that ensures your document meets any word count requirements.
Tips for Excluding Words from Word Count
- Always double-check the word count after excluding words to ensure accuracy.
- Make use of word processor tools like ‘Word Count’ to get a quick total before and after excluding words.
- Keep a list of commonly excluded words or phrases to make the process quicker in future documents.
- Consider using advanced text editing software that might offer more sophisticated options for excluding words.
- Remember to save a separate copy of your document before making any changes, just in case you need to revert back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my word processor doesn’t have a ‘Find and Replace’ feature?
You can manually search for the words you want to exclude and highlight them or make a note of their occurrences.
Can I exclude entire sections from the word count?
Yes, you can exclude entire sections by following the same steps—highlight the section and subtract it from the total word count.
Is there a way to automate the process of excluding words from word count?
Some advanced writing tools and software may offer features that allow you to automate this process, but it generally requires manual intervention.
Will excluding words from the word count affect the quality of my writing?
No, excluding words from the word count should not affect the quality of your writing. It’s simply a method to adhere to word count limits or requirements.
Can I exclude words for an online word count tool?
It depends on the tool, but most online word count tools do not have the capability to exclude specific words.
Summary
- Identify the words to exclude.
- Use the ‘Find and Replace’ feature to highlight these words.
- Manually adjust the word count by subtracting the excluded words.
Conclusion
Knowing how to exclude words from word count can be a valuable skill, especially when you’re working with strict word limits or aiming for conciseness. It’s a simple process that requires a bit of manual effort, but with a keen eye and a little patience, you can ensure your writing is both succinct and within the prescribed word count. Whether you’re crafting an article, an academic paper, or any other document, mastering this technique allows you to focus on the quality of your content without worrying about exceeding word counts. Look into word processing tools or software that can help streamline the process, and don’t forget to keep a list of words you frequently exclude to save time on future projects. With these tips and a clear understanding of the frequently asked questions, you’re now well-equipped to tackle any word count challenge that comes your way.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.