how to write a line through a word

Strikethrough Text: How to Write a Line Through a Word

By Robert BrownMarch 26, 2026

Ever found yourself wanting to emphasize a word or phrase by striking it through? This technique, often used to indicate deletion or replacement, is surprisingly simple to achieve. In this guide, we'll explore how to write a line through a word using various text editors and word processors, ensuring you can effectively convey your message with a simple yet powerful visual cue.

Before we dive into the methods, let's understand why you might want to strike through a word. It could be to indicate an error, show a correction, or even create a playful effect in a creative project. Regardless of your reason, mastering this skill will enhance your written communication.

Using Text Editors

Text editors are powerful tools for writing and manipulating text. They often provide simple, keyboard-based commands to strike through a word.

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For instance, in popular editors like Sublime Text or Visual Studio Code, you can use the following steps:

Sublime Text

1. Select the word you want to strike through.

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2. Press Ctrl + T (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + T (Mac) to toggle the strikethrough.

Visual Studio Code

1. Select the word you want to strike through.

2. Right-click and select "Format: Text Styling" from the context menu.

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3. In the "Text Styling" panel, check the "Strikethrough" box.

Word Processors

Word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs offer user-friendly interfaces to apply strikethrough formatting.

Here's how you can do it in both:

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Microsoft Word

1. Select the word you want to strike through.

2. In the "Home" tab, click on the small arrow next to the "Bold" button to open the "Font" dialog box.

3. Check the "Strikethrough" box and click "OK".

Google Docs

1. Select the word you want to strike through.

2. Click on the "Format" menu, then "Text", and finally "Strikethrough".

Markdown and HTML

If you're working with Markdown or HTML, you can use simple syntax to achieve the strikethrough effect.

In Markdown, wrap the word in double tildes (~~) like this: ~~word~~. In HTML, use the ~~tag: ~~word~~.~~

Markdown Example

~~Incorrect word~~

HTML Example

~~Incorrect word~~

Mastering how to write a line through a word is a valuable skill that can enhance your written communication. Whether you're correcting an error, indicating a change, or adding a playful touch to your text, striking through a word can effectively convey your message. So go ahead, experiment, and make your writing more engaging!