but indeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'but indeed' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to express agreement or introduce a contrasting idea. For example, you could say, "I thought the task was difficult, but indeed, it was not as challenging as I expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But indeed you do.

The New York Times

But indeed it needed it!.

The New Yorker

But indeed there is.

The New York Times

But indeed it needed it!..

The New Yorker

But indeed that is just what was happening.

The New York Times

It is a response to materials that is not textual, but indeed quite mysterious".

The New York Times - Arts

But, indeed, greenhouse-induced warming is not the sole cause of droughts.

The New York Times

But indeed nobody in the book understands the nature of money.

The Guardian - Books

"People hate to hear that, but indeed humans are much closer to pigs".

The New York Times - Science

But indeed, Halhoul was "liberated" today, as the Palestinians put it.

The New York Times

"It's a nice story, but indeed not," replied Cavey, perhaps a tad nervously.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but indeed" to introduce a point that reinforces or confirms a previous statement, often with a hint of surprise or emphasis. This phrase works best when adding a layer of affirmation to what has already been said.

Common error

Avoid using "but indeed" in situations where a simple "yes" or "certainly" would suffice. The phrase carries more weight and is best reserved for situations where a stronger affirmation or a nuanced agreement is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but indeed" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It serves to introduce a statement that contrasts with or confirms the preceding statement, often adding emphasis or surprise. The Ludwig examples show how it connects clauses and sentences to build more nuanced arguments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but indeed" is a versatile conjunctive adverbial phrase used to emphasize a statement or introduce a contrast with a preceding idea. Grammatically correct and frequently used, as Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While highly prevalent, careful usage is crucial to avoid sounding overly formal in casual settings. Consider alternatives like "but genuinely" or "but nevertheless" for varied expression. Steer clear of overusing it in simple affirmations to maintain its impactful effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but nevertheless

Replaces "indeed" with "nevertheless", highlighting a contrast despite the previous statement.

but undoubtedly

Substitutes "indeed" with "undoubtedly", stressing the unquestionable nature of the point.

but genuinely

Replaces "indeed" with "genuinely", emphasizing the sincerity or truthfulness of the statement.

but really

Emphasizes the truthfulness of the statement with "really" instead of "indeed".

but definitely

Replaces "indeed" with "definitely", underscoring the certainty of the statement.

but surely

Uses "surely" instead of "indeed" to convey a sense of certainty or expectation.

but truly

Substitutes "indeed" with "truly", emphasizing the genuine nature of the statement.

but effectively

Replaces "indeed" with "effectively", focusing on the practical outcome or result.

but incidentally

Substitutes "indeed" with "incidentally", suggesting the point is a related but not central aspect.

but even

Uses "even" instead of "indeed" to introduce something surprising or unexpected.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "but indeed" in a sentence?

Use "but indeed" to introduce a contrasting or confirmatory idea, adding emphasis or a touch of surprise. For example, "I wasn't sure if it would work, but indeed, it solved the problem."

What are some alternatives to "but indeed" that I can use?

Consider alternatives like "but genuinely", "but nevertheless", or "but surely" to vary your phrasing while maintaining a similar meaning.

Is "but indeed" formal or informal?

"But indeed" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and professional communication, without being overly stiff.

When is it inappropriate to use "but indeed"?

Avoid using "but indeed" in very casual or informal conversations where simpler affirmations like "yes" or "really" would be more appropriate. It can sound overly formal in such settings.