can indeed

USAGE SUMMARY

"can indeed" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize and add emphasis to a sentence. For example, "The new restaurant offers delicious food, and it can indeed be a great treat for any night!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A case can indeed be made that Islam complicates democracy.

The Economist

Doctors can indeed be heroes.

The New York Times

Goliath can indeed beat David.

The New York Times

You can indeed.

The New Yorker

And mandates can indeed reduce carbon emissions.

The New York Times

Some artists can indeed "think in glass".

The Economist

Anonymity can indeed lead to harm.

The New York Times

Byrne's style can indeed be glutinously affectionate.

The Guardian - Books

All the coverage can indeed be overwhelming.

The New York Times

The workplace can indeed be cozy.

The New York Times

Seeing Conrad clearly can indeed be tricky.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place "can indeed" strategically within your sentence to achieve the desired emphasis. It usually follows the subject and precedes the main verb.

Common error

Avoid using "can indeed" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or overly emphatic. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "can certainly" or "may well".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can indeed" functions as a modal verb phrase that emphasizes possibility or capability. As Ludwig AI indicates, it strengthens a statement, affirming that something is not just possible but verifiably so. Examples from Ludwig show its use across diverse contexts to reinforce assertions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

29%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can indeed" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to emphasize possibility or capability. As Ludwig AI states, it adds a layer of conviction to a statement, making it more impactful. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral to professional register. While "can indeed" is a common and effective way to add emphasis, it's advisable to vary your language with alternatives like "can certainly" or "may well" to avoid overuse. Keep in mind that, according to Ludwig's analysis, strategically placing "can indeed" will provide the best impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can certainly

Emphasizes the certainty or sureness of the possibility.

can truly

Highlights the genuineness or authenticity of the potential.

can really

Adds a sense of reality or actuality to the possibility.

can actually

Indicates that something is surprisingly possible or true.

may well

Suggests a strong likelihood or probability.

could indeed

Expresses a possibility with a slightly more tentative tone.

is indeed able to

Rephrases the ability with a more verbose and formal structure.

it is indeed possible to

Adds a layer of formality and emphasizes the possibility itself.

can without a doubt

Underscores the certainty, eliminating any potential for questioning.

definitely can

Inverts the order for emphasis, highlighting the affirmative aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "can indeed" in a sentence to add emphasis?

"Can indeed" is used to emphasize a possibility or capability. For instance, instead of saying "This plan can work", you could say "This plan "can indeed" work" to strengthen the statement.

What are some alternatives to "can indeed" that I can use to vary my writing?

To avoid repetition, consider using phrases such as "can certainly", "can truly", or "may well". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between saying "can" and "can indeed"?

While "can" simply indicates a possibility or ability, "can indeed" adds a layer of emphasis and affirmation. It suggests that something is not just possible, but demonstrably so.

In what type of writing is "can indeed" most appropriate?

"Can indeed" is suitable for various types of writing, from news articles and scientific papers to more informal pieces. However, be mindful of overuse, as too much emphasis "can indeed" detract from your message.