Practical Tips for Formatting Text Messages and Quotes on WhatsApp that You Should Know

In this age of digital communication, WhatsApp has become one of the main platforms for interacting personally and professionally. One thing that is often overlooked but very important is the formatting of text messages and the use of quotes in conversations. Good formatting can help convey messages more clearly and efficiently and reduce the chances of misunderstandings.

In everyday conversations, especially in often crowded WhatsApp groups, using the right text message format, such as bold, italic, or monospace, can help recipients find important information more easily. In addition, the quote feature makes it easier for us to respond to specific previous messages, so that communication becomes more organized and focused.

Understanding Message Format Features on WhatsApp

Message formatting is the way text is displayed in messaging apps to emphasize, clarify, or differentiate information. In WhatsApp, formatting messages is essential to improve the clarity and effectiveness of communication. With the right formatting such as bold, italic, and strikethrough, the sender can highlight important information, provide emotional nuances, or show information changes.

WhatsApp provides different types of formats to improve the communication experience. Here are some of the types of formats that exist:

• Bold: To emphasize an important word or sentence. Example: This important message must be heeded!
• Italic: To give subtle emphasis or mark a foreign term. Example: Welcome to the group!
• Strikethrough: To indicate that the information has been changed or is no longer valid. Example: The meeting is held on Monday to Tuesday.
• Block Quote: Allows users to highlight important quotes or information in longer messages.

How to Format Text Messages on WhatsApp

Using the Bold Format

To make a text bold on WhatsApp, follow these steps:

1. Open the WhatsApp app and select the contact or group you want to send a message to.
2. Type the star symbol (*) at the beginning and end of the word or sentence you want to bold.

To write bold text, use a double asterisk: *text*.

For example, if you type *Important! Please note.*, the sent message will appear as Important! Please note.

Using Italic Format

To write italic text, follow these steps:

1. Select a contact or group on WhatsApp.
2. Type the underscore symbol (_) at the beginning and end of the word or sentence you want to italicize.

To write italics, use the underline: _text_.

For example, if you type _Selamat coming!_, the sent message will appear as Welcome!.

Using the Strikethrough Format

To create scribble text, follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp and select a contact or group.
2. Type the tilde symbol (~) at the beginning and end of the word or sentence you want to cross out.

To write scribble text, use the tilde: ~text~.

For example, if you type ~a 9 a.m. meeting~, the sent message will appear as a 9 a.m. meeting.

Using the Block Quote Format

To write text in block quote format, follow these steps:

1. Select a contact or group on WhatsApp.
2. Type the “>“ symbol followed by a space before the text you want to quote.

To write a block quote text, use the “>“ symbol followed by a space before the text: > This is an important quote.

If you type “> This is an important quote.”, the message will appear in a clear citation format and separate from the rest of the text.

How to Quote Messages on WhatsApp

Quoting Messages One by One

Quoting messages one by one on WhatsApp helps provide explanations when answering questions or comments in chats. Here are the steps:

1. Open the WhatsApp app and select the group or private chat you want to quote.
2. Search for the message you want to reply to.
3. Press and hold the message for a few seconds until a drop-down menu appears.
4. Select the arrow icon (usually at the top of the screen) to quote that message.
5. Write your reply below the quote that appears.
6. Send a message.

For example, if someone in the group asks, “When are we going to meet?”, you could quote that question and reply, “The meeting will be held tomorrow at 10 a.m..” This way, other group members can easily see the original question and understand the context of your answer.

Using the Reply Feature to Quote

The reply feature in WhatsApp allows users to quote messages directly, making it easier to communicate in quick discussions, especially in groups. Here’s how to use this feature:

1. Open a group chat or private conversation on WhatsApp.
2. Search for the message you want to reply to.
3. Swipe right on the message (for iPhone) or press and hold on the message (for Android) until the reply option appears.
4. Write your reply and send it.

In a project discussion group, if someone says, “I agree with this plan,” you can immediately reply with the quote while adding another opinion or question, such as “I agree too! Have we set a date?” This helps keep the conversation flowing and ensures all group members understand the context of each reply.

Conclusion

Formatting text messages and using Quotes on WhatsApp is not just about beautifying the appearance of messages, but more than that, it is an effective way to improve the quality of communication. By using formats such as bold, italic, strikethrough, and Block Quote, your message can be conveyed more clearly, easily understood, and stand out among the many other messages in a conversation, especially in a group.