Which of the following shortcuts is used in MS Word to subscript the selected text?

Correct option is A

In MS Word, the shortcut Ctrl + = is used to apply or remove the subscript formatting to the selected text. Subscript formatting positions the text below the baseline, often used in scientific notations, formulas, and chemical equations.

For example:
Typing H followed by Ctrl + = for 2 will create H₂.

Important Key Points:

1. Subscript Formatting:
• Purpose: Positions text slightly below the baseline and reduces its size.
• Examples of Usage:
• Chemical formulas: H₂O
• Mathematical expressions: X₁ + X₂
2. Steps to Apply Subscript:
• Select the text you want to format.
• Press Ctrl + = to apply the subscript.
• To remove the subscript, select the text and press Ctrl + = again.
3. Alternative Method:
• Go to the Home Tab in the Ribbon.
• In the Font group, click on the Subscript (X₂) button.

Knowledge Booster:

1. Why Not Other Options?
• b) Ctrl + -:
• Incorrect. This shortcut is not used for subscript formatting in MS Word.
• c) Ctrl + * :
• Incorrect. This shortcut toggles the display of non-printing characters (e.g., paragraph marks, spaces).
• d) Ctrl + /:
• Incorrect. This shortcut does not exist for subscript or formatting in MS Word.
2. Difference Between Subscript and Superscript:
• Subscript: Positions text below the baseline (e.g., H₂O).
• Superscript: Positions text above the baseline, applied using Ctrl + Shift + = (e.g., X²).
3. Applications of Subscript:
• Scientific notation: CO₂, E₀.
• Mathematical indices: a₁, bₙ.
4. Interesting Fact:
• Subscript formatting is preserved when documents are exported to PDF or other formats, ensuring readability in scientific and technical documents.