left an indentation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left an indentation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mark or impression made on a surface, often as a result of pressure or weight. Example: "The heavy book left an indentation on the soft tablecloth after being placed there for several hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It left an indentation along her forehead.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Working with one dumpling at a time, dip in flour and press lightly onto a grater or the back of a fork so that a fingertip leaves an indentation.

The New York Times - Magazine

The butter should be soft enough for you to leave an indentation with your thumb.

WikiHow

If you are able to leave an indentation in the center of the beef, most of it will be defrosted enough to use.

WikiHow

At the beginning this will leave an indentation but over the entire running in procedure such marks will become harder to make.

WikiHow

You can test it by giving it a poke with your fingers; if the butter is soft as a ripe peach and your fingers easily leave an indentation, it's ready to use.[1].

WikiHow

If batter/dough comes off on your finger, or if your finger leaves an indentation in the top of the muffin, you may need to let it bake longer.

WikiHow

The use of injections may cause the cyst to heal unpredictably, so you might be left with an indentation or scar after the injection takes effect.

WikiHow

When you see a nascent kung-fu master fly through the air to kick a Triad in the head, you laugh because the kung-fu master is wearing a nightgown and has a cigarette dangling from her mouth, and because her kick has left a shoe-shaped indentation in the Triad's face.

The New Yorker

In a large serving bowl or plate, arrange noodle mixture, leaving a slight indentation in center.

The New York Times

In training sessions, he would leave a deep indentation in the heavy bag; observers shuddered to think what would happen if Ali were on the receiving end of similar treatment".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical interactions, use "left an indentation" to clearly convey that an object or force has created a recess or mark on a surface.

Common error

Avoid using "left an indentation" metaphorically when "made an impact" or "created an impression" would be more appropriate. Stick to concrete, physical descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left an indentation" functions as a descriptive phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the action of creating a recess or mark on a surface due to pressure or weight, as demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

41%

News & Media

39%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left an indentation" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It effectively describes the creation of a physical recess or mark on a surface, commonly due to pressure or weight. Its usage is most prevalent in Wiki, News & Media, and Science contexts, with a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. While not exceedingly common, understanding its proper use and context, along with avoiding overuse in abstract scenarios, will enhance clarity in descriptive writing. Alternatives like "left a mark" or "created a dent" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

left a depression

Synonymous, but uses 'depression' instead of 'indentation'.

left a dent

Focuses on a dent as the type of indentation.

formed a dent

Specifies the type of indentation as a dent, often implying damage.

caused a depression

Focuses on the resulting hollow shape rather than the act of making it.

pressed a hollow

Emphasizes the action of pressing to create the hollow.

created a hollow

Highlights the creation of an empty space.

imprinted a shape

Highlights the transfer of a specific shape onto the surface.

made a mark

A more general term, applicable to various types of marks, not specifically indentations.

produced a cavity

Implies a more significant and enclosed indentation.

left an impression

Highlights a general effect or feeling, though it can also refer to a physical mark.

FAQs

How can I use "left an indentation" in a sentence?

Use "left an indentation" to describe a physical mark or impression created by pressure or weight on a surface. For example, "The heavy vase left an indentation on the wooden table".

What are some alternatives to "left an indentation"?

You can use alternatives like "left a mark", "made an impression", or "created a dent", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "left an indentation" or "left a mark"?

The choice depends on the context. "Left an indentation" is more specific, referring to a recessed mark. "Left a mark" is more general and can refer to any kind of mark, not just indentations.

What is the difference between "left an indentation" and "left a depression"?

While similar, "left a depression" often implies a broader, less defined area of sinking or lowering, whereas "left an indentation" suggests a more localized and distinct mark.