In common keyboard shortcuts for word processors, which key combination is used to bold the selected text?

Introduction / Context:
Keyboard shortcuts help users format text quickly without relying on menus. In most modern word processors such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice Writer, there are standard key combinations for bold, italic, and underline that are widely used across applications. Knowing these shortcuts saves time and is often tested in basic computer skills exams. This question asks which shortcut is used to apply bold formatting to selected text.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The environment is a typical word processor on Windows or similar systems.
• We focus on standard keyboard shortcuts that use the CTRL key.
• Options include CTRL + I, SHIFT + CTRL + S, CTRL + B, and CTRL + SHIFT + I.
• We assume the default shortcut settings have not been customised.

Concept / Approach:
The most common formatting shortcuts follow an easy to remember pattern: CTRL + B for bold, CTRL + I for italic, and CTRL + U for underline. Bold formatting increases the weight of the text, making it darker and more prominent. CTRL + I tilts the text into italics, while commands involving SHIFT + CTRL + S are often used for style or save functions depending on the application. CTRL + SHIFT + I is not the standard bold shortcut in major word processors. Therefore, the correct shortcut for bold is CTRL + B.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the standard text formatting shortcuts. CTRL + B applies bold, CTRL + I applies italic, and CTRL + U applies underline. Step 2: Match bold with the appropriate letter. The letter B in CTRL + B stands for bold, making it easy to remember. Step 3: Evaluate option C (CTRL + B). This matches the standard bold shortcut in Word, Docs, and many other editors. Step 4: Evaluate CTRL + I. CTRL + I is used for italics, not bold. Step 5: Evaluate SHIFT + CTRL + S and CTRL + SHIFT + I. These combinations are not the standard for bold; they may open style or other dialogs in some programs. Step 6: Conclude that CTRL + B is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you open a document in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, select some text, and press CTRL + B, the text becomes bold. Pressing the same shortcut again toggles the bold formatting off. Pressing CTRL + I instead makes the text italic, and CTRL + U underlines it. Help pages and menus list these shortcuts explicitly under formatting quick keys. SHIFT + CTRL + S and CTRL + SHIFT + I do not act as the primary bold shortcut in these applications. This confirms that CTRL + B is the correct combination for bolding selected text.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (CTRL + I): This shortcut applies italic formatting rather than bold. Option B (SHIFT + CTRL + S): Commonly associated with style or save functions depending on the program, not with bold. Option D (CTRL + SHIFT + I): Not the default bold shortcut in mainstream word processors.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse bold and italic shortcuts because both are basic text styles controlled with nearby keys. They may also think that adding SHIFT makes a command stronger, and therefore guess CTRL + SHIFT + I for bold. To avoid confusion, remember the simple mapping: B for bold, I for italic, and U for underline, all combined with CTRL in most Windows based applications. Once you fix these in memory, answering shortcut questions becomes straightforward.

Final Answer:
The keyboard shortcut commonly used to bold selected text is CTRL + B.