as if indeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as if indeed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a hypothetical situation or to express doubt about the truth of a statement. Example: "He spoke about his achievements as if indeed they were the pinnacle of success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"As if," indeed.

The Guardian

A stuffed bear lay beside him, as if indeed he were asleep.

The New York Times

That I was so different in appearance from my own parents was something I could see in my mother's eyes, as if, indeed, the son who refused to speak Spanish truly belonged in another household.

The New York Times

We had just finished hearing all about Uncle Michele's health and his many grandchildren when Bice seemed suddenly to recall an extremely urgent matter — as if, indeed, it were the very reason she had flown all the way over here from Europe.

The New Yorker

When the stranger disappears for good, an extraordinary transference seems to take place: "So changed I feel as I approach the place, / So old in heart and step, it almost seems / As if the Wanderer left his life for mine, / When night came dark between us on the hill: / A double interchange, as if indeed / 'Twas my old self that disappeared with him, / And he in me still walks the weary earth".

The Guardian - Books

If Glenn Beck were on the psychiatrists' couch, not a platform in front of a paying audience, the analyst might ask why his thoughts and emotions seem to come spontaneously round to Washington again and again ("I see him in my mind's eye," says Beck, and looks at a space in front of him as if, indeed, the man in the wig and stockings could soon appear there).

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

And when was the last time they were widely portrayed as kooks, if indeed they ever were?

The New York Times - Books

Pressed on whether she would take the new role or remain as coach – if indeed that option arises – she added: "I'd have to look at it".

The Guardian - Sport

In his last years Cervantes mentioned several works that apparently did not get as far as the printing press, if indeed he ever actually started writing them.

Britannica

Yet, it is a question of when, not if, as indeed it has been ever since the election of Barack Obama and his early calls on America's European allies to send more troops.

The Guardian

He said, "I don't know what the other side may refer to as the Bach Mai Hospital, if indeed there is one".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as if indeed" to add emphasis or a touch of skepticism to a hypothetical situation. It strengthens the comparison, making it more vivid for the reader.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of "indeed" in close proximity. Overusing intensifiers can weaken your writing and make it sound repetitive. Choose the most impactful instances carefully.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "as if indeed" is to act as a conjunction phrase, connecting clauses and introducing a hypothetical scenario with added emphasis. It enhances a comparison, indicating a stronger sense of likelihood or truth, consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as if indeed" functions as a conjunction phrase that intensifies hypothetical comparisons or reinforces the validity of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Although it is not a very common phrase, it is versatile enough to be used in both neutral and formal registers, appearing in various contexts from News & Media to academic writing. While powerful, remember to avoid overusing "indeed" to maintain a clear and impactful writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as though truly

Emphasizes the feeling or appearance of something being genuine.

as if in fact

Highlights the element of reality or actuality being present in the hypothetical situation.

as if actually

Stresses the unexpectedness or surprising nature of the hypothetical situation.

seemingly

Implies that something appears to be the case, though it might not be.

ostensibly

Suggests that something is presented as being true, but the reality might be different.

apparently

Indicates that something is evident or obvious based on available information.

on the face of it

Highlights the initial impression or appearance of something.

to all appearances

Indicates that something seems to be the case based on what can be observed.

it would seem

A more formal way of suggesting that something is likely to be the case.

one might say

Introduces a statement or opinion that is open to interpretation or debate.

FAQs

How can I use "as if indeed" in a sentence?

You can use "as if indeed" to emphasize a hypothetical situation or express a stronger sense of comparison. For instance, "He acted "as if indeed" he were the king of the world."

What phrases are similar to "as if indeed"?

Similar phrases include "as though truly", "as if in fact", or "seemingly". These alternatives can add subtle nuances to your writing.

Is "as if indeed" formal or informal?

"As if indeed" leans towards a more formal register, suitable for academic writing or professional communication, but it can also be used in neutral contexts.

What's the difference between "as if" and "as if indeed"?

Adding "indeed" to "as if" intensifies the hypothetical comparison or emphasizes the truth of the comparison. "As if" presents a hypothetical scenario, while "as if indeed" reinforces it with added emphasis.