is indifferent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is indifferent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of interest, concern, or preference regarding a particular subject or situation. Example: "She is indifferent to the outcome of the game, as she doesn't support either team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Annette is indifferent.

The New Yorker

Not everyone is indifferent.

The New York Times

Automation is indifferent to experience.

The Guardian - Money

She is indifferent to the past.

The New Yorker

Right now, she is indifferent.

The New Yorker

The ocean itself is indifferent, implacable, deadly.

The New York Times - Books

He is indifferent to our defining miracle.

The Washington Post

The world is indifferent to his fate.

The Guardian - Books

Now she is indifferent... frozen... almost dead".

The New Yorker

"The government is indifferent," Mr. Bangash said.

The New York Times

The universe is not moral, it is indifferent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is indifferent", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended degree of disinterest or neutrality. Overuse can make writing sound monotonous, so vary your phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "is indifferent" when you mean someone is uninformed or lacks knowledge. Indifference implies a lack of concern despite awareness, not a lack of awareness itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is indifferent" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of lacking interest, concern, or preference. It adds detail to the subject by indicating their emotional or attitudinal stance. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

33%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is indifferent" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of interest, concern, or preference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While acceptable in most situations, it's essential to consider the specific nuance you want to convey and avoid misinterpreting indifference as simply a lack of knowledge. Alternatives like "does not care" or "is apathetic" can provide a stronger emphasis, whereas "is neutral" suggests impartiality rather than disinterest. Remember to use varied phrasing to prevent monotony in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not care

This alternative directly states a lack of concern, implying a more active disinterest than "is indifferent".

is apathetic

Indicates a lack of feeling or emotion, suggesting a broader disengagement than simply being indifferent to a specific thing.

is unconcerned

Emphasizes a lack of worry or anxiety, which is a specific aspect of indifference.

shows no interest

Highlights the outward manifestation of indifference, focusing on the absence of curiosity or engagement.

is uninterested

Implies a lack of curiosity or enthusiasm, making it suitable when the indifference stems from boredom or disinterest.

is detached

Suggests an emotional distance, implying a more conscious effort to remain uninvolved.

remains neutral

Highlights impartiality, especially when faced with options, and the phrase "is indifferent" takes on a sense of equanimity.

is unmoved

Indicates a lack of emotional response, suggesting that something has failed to elicit any feeling.

couldn't care less

This is a more emphatic way of expressing indifference, often used to show strong disinterest.

has no preference

Specifically denotes a lack of bias or inclination toward any particular choice or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "is indifferent" in a sentence?

You can use "is indifferent" to describe a state of lacking interest or concern. For example, "She "is indifferent" to the latest fashion trends" or "He "is indifferent" to the political debate".

What phrases are similar to "is indifferent"?

Alternatives to "is indifferent" include "does not care", "is apathetic", "is unconcerned", or "has no preference". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am indifferent about"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "I am indifferent about [something]". However, simply stating "I "am indifferent"" can also be effective if the context is clear.

What is the difference between "is indifferent" and "is neutral"?

"Is indifferent" suggests a lack of interest or concern, while "is neutral" implies a deliberate choice not to take sides. Someone who "is indifferent" may not care about an issue, whereas someone who "is neutral" may care but chooses to remain impartial.