not indeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not indeed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a negation or to express that something is not the case, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "The proposal was not indeed what we had expected, leading to further discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So why not?" Indeed.

The Guardian

Not indeed that we personally are needed.

The New York Times - Books

Why the hell not indeed?

The Guardian - Opinion

Why not indeed, said Mr. Vinciguerra.

The New York Times

And the question is: Why not?" Why not indeed?

The New Yorker

"But we said, 'Why not?' " Why not indeed.

The New York Times

So why not tackle the borrower problem?" Why not, indeed.

The New York Times

They are two sides of national sovereignty".Why not indeed?

The Economist

So why not, indeed, talk of war crimes?

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Serenity central it's not -- indeed, it knocks the stuffing out of all-white Zen simplicity.

The New York Times

(As 19th-century doctors often did not. Indeed, they frequently lied to the wife about what they were treating her for).

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not indeed" to add a touch of formality or emphasis to a negative statement. It is especially effective in written communication and when responding to a question.

Common error

Avoid using "not indeed" in casual conversations or informal writing where it can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "certainly not" or "definitely not" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "not indeed" primarily functions to emphasize negation. It underscores that something is certainly not the case. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase appears in various contexts to reinforce a negative statement. For example, "It is not indeed without reason..."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not indeed" functions as an adverbial phrase that is used to emphasize a negative statement with a degree of formality. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, although it is best suited for formal writing and academic discourse rather than casual conversation. Its semantic relatedness include phrases like "certainly not" and "absolutely not". While versatile, writers should avoid overuse in informal settings to prevent sounding overly formal. "Not indeed" appears most frequently in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certainly not

Emphasizes negation more strongly than "not indeed".

absolutely not

Stronger and more emphatic negation.

definitely not

Similar to "certainly not", but slightly less formal.

of course not

Indicates that something is obviously not the case.

by no means

Formal and emphatic negation.

far from it

Suggests the opposite is true.

not at all

A polite and common way to express negation.

assuredly not

Formal and confident negation.

positively not

Emphasizes the certainty of negation.

not in the slightest

Indicates negation to a very small degree.

FAQs

How can I use "not indeed" in a sentence?

Use "not indeed" to emphasize a negative statement, often in response to a question or assertion. For example: "Is that the case?" "Not indeed, it is far from the truth."

What are some alternatives to "not indeed"?

You can use alternatives like "certainly not", "definitely not", or "absolutely not" depending on the context and desired level of emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "not indeed"?

"Not indeed" is appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, and when a touch of emphasis or sophistication is desired. However, in casual settings, it may sound overly formal.

Is "not indeed" the same as "indeed not"?

While both phrases express negation, "not indeed" typically emphasizes the negation itself, whereas "indeed not" can sometimes imply a stronger disagreement or contradiction. The subtle difference depends on context.