Backwards apostrophes - why??

Word 20076 running on Vista. Some files have some kind of setting that puts
all apostrophes and single quotes backwards. WHy is this - and more
importantly, how can I change it?
A

The function is an autoformat option (Word Options Proofing Autocorrect
Options Autoformat as You Type Replace straight quotes with smart
quotes). If it is not working correctly it is either misreading your
document or there may be language issues associated with the text.

--

Graham Mayor - Word MVP

My web site www.gmayor.com
Word MVP web site http://word.mvps.org



Andrew B wrote:
Word 20076 running on Vista. Some files have some kind of setting
that puts all apostrophes and single quotes backwards. WHy is this -
and more importantly, how can I change it?
A

It is an auto-correct setting that replaces vanilla quotes with "curly" quotes. The disadvantage is that it assumes the first quote you type is a *leading* quote - that is, one that comes at the beginning of a quotation.

Smart quotes tend not to correctly interpret the possessive single quote or apostrophe (i.e. Ken's laptop, in the 1950's, etc.)

So whenever these situations arise (where only a single quote mark is required), you'll have to manually replace the incorrect leading quote with a trailing quote (using Insert Special)

HTH

Originally Posted by Andrew B

Word 20076 running on Vista. Some files have some kind of setting that puts
all apostrophes and single quotes backwards. WHy is this - and more
importantly, how can I change it?
A