In Word, click on Tools | Options | Edit | check the "Typing
replaces selection" box | OK.

Kate wrote:

So, for no good reason, when I press ctrl+shift+backspace...nothing happens.
I used to be able to use it to select sections of text to delete--but no
more. I know I can still use the delete button, but apparently I used
backspace a lot . My hands keep doing it automatically. And what happens is:
nothing. The selected text just becomes deselected. Any ideas on what the
heck I did and how I can get it back? Thanks!