To increase a paragraph indent, use the _ shortcut keys.
a. CTRL+L
b. CTRL+E
c. CTRL+1
d. CTRL+M
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
d. CTRL+M
Explanation:
In Microsoft Word and many other word processing programs, the CTRL+M shortcut is used to increase the paragraph indent. When you press CTRL+M, the selected paragraph moves to the right by the default indent spacing, usually 0.5 inches.
Understanding Indentation:
Indentation is a formatting feature that adjusts the placement of a paragraph relative to the left margin. It improves the readability of documents and is often used for formatting reports, essays, and professional documents.
There are different types of indentations:
- First-line indent – Only the first line of the paragraph is indented.
- Hanging indent – All lines except the first line are indented.
- Left indent – The entire paragraph moves to the right.
- Right indent – The paragraph moves inward from the right margin.
Using CTRL+M applies a left indent, shifting the entire paragraph to the right. If you press CTRL+M multiple times, the indent increases further. To decrease the indent, use SHIFT+CTRL+M.
Explanation of Other Options:
- CTRL+L: Aligns text to the left.
- CTRL+E: Centers the text.
- CTRL+1: Sets line spacing to single.
Why Indentation is Important:
- Enhances readability.
- Organizes content in a structured way.
- Helps in formatting research papers (APA, MLA, etc.).
- Makes documents look professional.

Here is an image demonstrating paragraph indentation using the CTRL+M shortcut in Microsoft Word. The highlighted paragraph shows an increased left indent, with the shortcut key displayed on the screen.