In Microsoft Word, the keyboard shortcut CTRL + ] is commonly used for which formatting action on the selected text?

Introduction / Context:
Microsoft Word offers many keyboard shortcuts to speed up text formatting. One such shortcut involves the right bracket key together with the Control key. Knowing what these shortcuts do can save time when adjusting font sizes during document editing and is often tested in basic computer skills examinations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about the keyboard combination CTRL + ] in Microsoft Word.
• We are asked which formatting action it performs.
• Options mention redo, right alignment, increasing font size, toggling the ribbon and inserting a character.
• We assume a default Word configuration without custom shortcuts.

Concept / Approach:
In Word, CTRL + ] increases the font size of the selected text by a small step, typically one point. The related shortcut CTRL + [ decreases the font size by one point. Other shortcuts handle redo, text alignment and ribbon toggling. Therefore, we need to identify the option that describes a small increase in font size.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that CTRL + Z is used for undo and CTRL + Y or CTRL + F4 combinations are often used for redo, not CTRL + ]. Step 2: Right alignment of text is usually done with CTRL + R or with the alignment buttons on the Home tab, not with CTRL + ]. Step 3: The combination CTRL + ] is documented in Word as a shortcut to increase the font size of the selected text by one point. Step 4: The opposite shortcut CTRL + [ reduces the font size by one point, confirming that these bracket keys adjust size rather than alignment or other features. Step 5: Expanding or collapsing the ribbon is typically done by clicking the ribbon display options or by shortcuts involving CTRL + F1, not CTRL + ]. Step 6: Inserting a right bracket character is done by simply pressing ], without holding the Control key. Step 7: Therefore, the correct description of CTRL + ] is that it increases the font size slightly.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify the shortcut by selecting some text in Word and repeatedly pressing CTRL + ]. Each press increases the numeric font size visible in the Font box by one point. Performing the opposite shortcut CTRL + [ will decrease the size. This direct experiment confirms that CTRL + ] is linked to font size adjustment and not to redo, alignment or ribbon control.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Redo is normally associated with CTRL + Y or CTRL + Shift + Z. Right alignment uses CTRL + R. Ribbon expansion or collapse commonly uses CTRL + F1. The insertion of a right bracket does not involve the Control key. As a result, these options do not match the actual behaviour of CTRL + ] in Microsoft Word.

Common Pitfalls:
Users sometimes assume that bracket shortcuts have something to do with inserting characters, or they forget the difference between CTRL + ] and CTRL + }. To avoid confusion, remember the pair CTRL + [ and CTRL + ] as shrink text and grow text. Visualising brackets squeezing or expanding the text can help you recall that they change font size in small steps.

Final Answer:
In Microsoft Word, CTRL + ] is used to increase the font size of the selected text slightly.