Extend selection by words

⇧⌥← / ⇧⌥→ · Shift–Option–Arrow

  • Place the caret before the first word.
  • Hold Shift and Option.
  • Press Right Arrow: select the first word.
  • Keep the modifiers held; release Right Arrow.
  • Press Right Arrow again to extend by another word.
  • Release the keys. The words remain selected.
Speed 1.25×

Ready

Try this

Select part of a sentence in Notes, then copy and paste it on a new line.

Why it works

Place the cursor in editable text. Hold Shift and Option, then press Left Arrow or Right Arrow to extend the selection word by word. App behavior can vary.

Sources
Open full demonstration ↗