indent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "indent" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used as a noun or verb to refer to a blank space created by a left margin set in farther than all other margins, or to create such a space. For example, "The teacher asked the students to indent the start of their essay paragraphs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

The northern gulf's western shore is very irregular; several large inlets indent the base of the Kallídhromon mountain range.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most mechanical stimuli indent the skin, stimulating nerve fibres in the connective tissue below the skin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Numerous streams, bays, and tidal estuaries indent the irregular coastline.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fjordlike inlets indent its southern coast, and Grinnell Peninsula protrudes northwest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Using a fork that has been dipped in flour press onto the back if each biscuit leaving an indent.

Independent

In Python, however, if you fail to indent lines, you miss spaces or use the wrong brackets, the program just won't run.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The German applied mechanician Ludwig Prandtl developed the rudiments of the theory of plane plastic flow in 1920 and 1921, with an analysis of indentation of a ductile solid by a flat-ended rigid indenter, and the resulting theory of plastic slip lines was completed by H. Hencky in 1923 and Hilda Geiringer in 1930.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Either way, the story goes, the pen in his hand slipped on the map, leaving Jordan's eastern border sharply indented.

The Economist

In pinnately lobed margins the leaf blade (lamina) is indented equally deep along each side of the midrib (as in the white oak, Quercus alba), and in palmately lobed margins the lamina is indented along several major veins (as in the red maple, Acer rubrum).

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is some 300 miles (500 km) long and 30 to 140 miles (50 to 225 km) wide, has a shoreline indented by large bays, often with rocky slopes, and contains many islands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The indenter employed in the Vickers test is a square-based pyramid whose opposite sides meet at the apex at an angle of 136°.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal documents, indent the first line of each paragraph to clearly distinguish new paragraphs.

Common error

Avoid mixing spaces and tabs for indentation, especially in programming. This can lead to syntax errors and make your code difficult to debug.

Linguistic Context

The word "indent" functions both as a verb, meaning to create an indentation or space, and as a noun, referring to the indentation or space itself. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in contexts ranging from text formatting to describing physical features.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

28%

Lifestyle

20%

Less common in

Arts

8%

Books

4%

Tech

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "indent" is a versatile word functioning as both a verb and a noun, signifying the creation or existence of an indentation or space. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and applicable in diverse scenarios, from coastal geography to code formatting. Its presence across reputable sources like the Encyclopedia Britannica, The New York Times and The Guardian highlights its wide acceptance. Whether you aim to "indent" a paragraph or describe an "indent" in a coastline, understanding its dual nature ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indentation

Refers specifically to the space created by indenting, a noun form synonymous with "indent" in certain contexts.

indention

Another noun form referring to the act or result of indenting, less common than "indentation" but similar in meaning.

recess

Describes a hollow or indentation, emphasizing the physical space created by the action of indenting.

notch

Suggests a small cut or indentation, often V-shaped, differing in scale but related to creating an impression.

dent

Indicates a hollow or depression in a surface, focusing on the physical deformation aspect of indenting.

offset

Implies a shift from a starting point, similar to the effect of indenting a line of text.

set back

Suggests positioning something further back from a reference point, analogous to indenting in formatting.

mortise

Refers to a hole or recess cut into a part to receive a tenon of another part. Highlights the intention purpose.

emboss

Describes creating a raised design on a surface, the opposite of indenting but still involving physical alteration.

imprint

Focuses on leaving a mark or impression on a surface, related to the physical action of indenting.

FAQs

How to use "indent" in a sentence?

You can use "indent" as a verb, such as "Please "indent" the first line of each paragraph", or as a noun, like "The "indent" in the rock was used during the coronation ceremony."

What can I say instead of "indent" when referring to text formatting?

Alternatives include "indentation", "indention", or using phrases like "set the margin" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "indent" or "indentation"?

"Indent" is a verb and a noun, while ""indentation"" is a noun. Use ""indent"" when describing the action of creating space, and ""indentation"" when referring to the space itself.

What's the difference between "indent" and "outdent"?

"Indent" moves text further from the margin, creating space, while "outdent" moves text closer to the margin, potentially extending it into the margin area.