Personal Dictionary/Shortcuts

I’ve researched this topic and have gotten answers but their answers don’t help. When I tried to create a shortcut so that all I have to do is enter a few letters so as I can cut down on my typing, well it doesn’t work. the phrase section doesn’t allow spaces or periods, Slashes or dashes. how can I create a phrase with these conditions. Does anybody any ideas for me? Even single word shortcuts that show up in the column don’t work when I try to use them. I’m using Android 4.2.1