indeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "indeed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize something that is already being said. For example: "I'm so excited to go on vacation this summer!" "Indeed!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Indeed so.

The New York Times - Sports

Indeed we do.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed not.

The New York Times

Why indeed?

The New York Times - Arts

Indeed, the world is ruled by little else.

The Economist

Indeed, you did extraordinary work on a host of critical missions during my time as director, and I am deeply grateful to you for that.

The Guardian

I've come to learn through that process that any drink problem is a serious problem indeed".

The Guardian

My party and, indeed, the Conservative party have been on record as being very against the proposal by the previous Labour government, for instance, to legislate for a wider amnesty and we want to see the rule of law always be applied.

The Guardian

Indeed it does.

The New York Times

How, indeed?

The New York Times

"To hold it in a context where some basic fundamental rights are markedly absent, indeed, denied to the population, is to commit a travesty".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indeed" as a response, vary your intonation to convey different shades of meaning, such as agreement, surprise, or skepticism.

Common error

Avoid using "indeed" excessively in casual conversation, as it can sound stilted or overly formal. Opt for more natural expressions like "really", "absolutely", or "exactly" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "indeed" is as an adverb. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb to add emphasis or confirmation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes something already being said, underscoring its truth or importance, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples like "Indeed, the world is ruled by little else."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indeed" is a versatile adverb used to add emphasis, confirm statements, or express agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is very common, particularly in News & Media. While grammatically correct and widely used, it should be employed thoughtfully to avoid sounding overly formal in casual contexts. Consider alternatives like "absolutely" or "certainly" for similar effects. It can be used at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis, and remember that while similar, "in fact" has a subtly different function, typically introducing additional details. Ludwig examples showcase its use across varied contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certainly

Expresses a strong affirmation or agreement, similar to "indeed" but often more emphatic.

absolutely

Conveys complete agreement and leaves no room for doubt, more forceful than "indeed".

in fact

Introduces or emphasizes a statement of fact, often adding detail or correction.

undoubtedly

Indicates that something is certain and beyond question, more formal than "indeed".

truly

Emphasizes the genuineness or sincerity of something, adding a sense of depth.

surely

Suggests a strong expectation or confidence in something, implying a degree of probability.

verily

An archaic term for "truly" or "certainly", used for emphasis.

genuinely

Indicates that something is authentic and sincere, emphasizing realness.

without a doubt

Expresses complete certainty, implying that there is no reason to question something.

assuredly

Conveys confidence and certainty, often used in a formal or persuasive context.

FAQs

How can I use "indeed" in a sentence to show agreement?

You can use "indeed" to show agreement by stating it after someone makes a statement. For example, if someone says, "This is a complex problem", you could respond, "Indeed, it requires careful consideration".

What are some alternatives to "indeed" for expressing agreement?

You can use alternatives like "absolutely", "certainly", or "exactly" to express agreement depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "indeed" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to use "indeed" at the beginning of a sentence to emphasize a point or add further information. For example, "Indeed, the world is ruled by little else".

What's the difference between "indeed" and "in fact"?

"Indeed" emphasizes agreement or confirmation of a previous statement, while "in fact" introduces a statement that provides additional or clarifying information. Both can be used to add emphasis, but they serve slightly different purposes.