I'm trying to remove duplicate phrasing and words using VBA in Word

[jojolisac]

My example text:

I can -- I can tell you that. I -- I can tell you that. If you -- if you can hear me. If you can -- you can hear me. I would -- would be happy. I should -- should be sad.

I have no problem removing the same word like "would -- would" or "should -- should" using this: (<[A-z']@>) -- \1

But I cannot figure out how to remove the two word repetitions:

you can -- you can and if you -- if you

Any help appreciated. thank you!

 

[gmaxey]

(<[A-z']@> <[A-z']@>) -- \1

 

[jojolisac]

thank you!