Fix Smart Quotation Marks Using the Wrong Style in Word for Mac
Question details
Smart quotation marks in a Word document display an incorrect style, such as Finnish opening quotes, instead of standard English quotes.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Typing or pasting text with quotation marks into a document where multiple languages might be present or automatically detected.
- Observed behavior
- Quotation marks flip unexpectedly or adopt foreign punctuation conventions because Word applies formatting styles based on the detected proofing language.
Ensure you select the specific text displaying the incorrect quotation marks before adjusting the language settings. Checking if the issue occurs in a new blank document can also help determine if it is a file-specific issue.
Adjust the Document Proofing Language
Word changes quotation mark styles based on the language. Setting the correct language ensures the expected quotation marks are applied.
Microsoft Word utilizes language-specific rules to format punctuation. If the proofing language switches to a language like Finnish or German, the quotation marks will change to match those regional standards.
Highlight the text containing the incorrect quotation marks, or press Cmd + A to select the entire document.
Click on the 'Tools' menu at the top of your Mac screen and select 'Language'.
Choose 'English' (or your preferred language) from the list.
Uncheck the box that says 'Detect language automatically' to prevent Word from changing the language behind the scenes, then click 'OK'.
Delete the incorrect quotation marks and type them again so Word can apply the correct smart quote formatting based on your updated language settings.
Verify Smart Quotes Settings in AutoCorrect
If the language is correct but quotation marks are still appearing straight or incorrect, you need to ensure the smart quotes feature is properly enabled.
Experience Hassle-Free Formatting with WPS Office for Mac
Tired of fighting with Word's automatic formatting and language detection? Try WPS Office for Mac. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible word processing experience that keeps your formatting exactly how you want it, for free.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Go to the official WPS website and download the Mac version for free.
- 2. Open Your Word Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file.
- 3. Enjoy Consistent Formatting: Continue editing your document with stable language and quotation mark settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my quotation marks look different only in specific paragraphs?
Word's automatic language detection may have mistakenly identified a different language for those specific paragraphs. Selecting the affected text and reapplying your primary proofing language (Tools > Language) usually fixes this discrepancy.
Can I turn off smart quotes entirely on my Mac?
Yes, you can disable them in Word by going to Word > Preferences > AutoCorrect > AutoFormat As You Type, and unchecking the option for replacing straight quotes with smart quotes. You may also need to check Mac System Settings > Keyboard > Text Input for system-wide smart quote options.
Why didn't my existing quotation marks change after I updated the language setting?
Changing the proofing language only applies the correct rules to newly typed text. To update existing quotes, use the Find and Replace tool (Cmd + F) to find all quotation marks (") and replace them with the same character ("). Word will apply the new smart quote style during the replacement.
