select source cell, then drag cursor across the formula bar contents so
it's highlighted, r-click and pick copy, press Esc key to "release" the
selection, now pick the cell you want to put the "text", you may now
paste into the formula bar and insert the single quote or apostrophe and
press enter.

showsomeidnow wrote:

thanks both fst1 and bob I. yes, it' very difficult to NOT upset the
answer in the source cell when you copy its formula. tried the
apostrophe idea and it worked great, thanks. Bob I, sorry, it's me
being stupid could you re-explain that solution - i did try but i am
clearly doing something wrong - the answer in the source cell (of say
formula =sum(a2:a10)) keeps on getting upset. do you mean put in an
apostrophe in front of the equals sign and at the end also? sorry and
thanks again both of you.