Adverb B1/B2 — Intermediate /ɪnˈdiːd/

Indeed — Definition, Examples & Usage

Used to emphasise a point, confirm a fact, or express agreement — a small word with considerable weight.

Quick Definition

Indeed is an adverb used to emphasise a statement, to add confirming information, or to express agreement. It signals that something is genuinely, certainly, or strongly true: "She worked very hard and indeed she passed the exam with distinction."

What Does Indeed Mean?

Indeed comes from the Middle English phrase in deed, meaning "in actual fact" or "in reality" — as opposed to merely in theory or in word. The two words fused into a single adverb during the 14th century. The older contrast between saying something and actually experiencing it survives in the expression in word and deed.

In modern British English, indeed serves three closely related purposes. First, it emphasises a statement, telling the listener that something is even more true than they might expect: "This is indeed a serious matter." Second, it confirms or adds to information already given: "The report was long — very long indeed." Third, it is used as a formal agreement, comparable to "yes, certainly": "Did you find it difficult?" — "I did indeed."

Note that indeed is more common in British English than in American English, where really, certainly, or in fact are often preferred. In written academic and formal English, indeed is a valuable tool for adding weight to an argument without using informal intensifiers.

Example Sentences

SentenceLevel & Usage note
That is indeed a big dog! A2 — emphasising a simple observation
She worked very hard and indeed she passed the exam with distinction. B1 — confirming a result; indeed introduces the consequence
The film was long — very long indeed — but the ending was worth the wait. B1 — "very … indeed" pattern for strong emphasis
The findings are significant; indeed, they may change the way we approach the problem entirely. B2 — formal writing; indeed introduces a strengthening clause
It is a testament to her resilience that she succeeded; and it was a remarkable achievement indeed, given the obstacles she faced. C1 — complex sentence; indeed placed at end for rhetorical weight

Collocations

CollocationExample
very … indeedIt was very kind indeed of you to help.
indeed it is / wasIs it true? — Indeed it is.
indeed so"Are you ready?" — "Indeed so."
indeed aThat is indeed a difficult question.
most … indeedShe was most gracious indeed.
yes, indeedDid you enjoy your stay? — Yes, indeed.
indeed, … (sentence adverb)Indeed, the evidence points in only one direction.
true indeedIt is true indeed that practice makes perfect.
quite … indeedThat was quite unexpected indeed.
remarkable … indeedA remarkable feat indeed, for someone so young.

Usage Notes

How to Use Indeed Correctly

  • After "very + adjective": The pattern very + adjective + indeed is a characteristically British way to intensify: "very cold indeed", "very helpful indeed". Here indeed reinforces very, making the statement stronger.
  • As a sentence adverb: When indeed opens a sentence or clause (followed by a comma), it introduces information that strengthens or confirms what came before: "The task is difficult. Indeed, many experts have tried and failed."
  • As a one-word reply: "Indeed." or "Yes, indeed." is a polite, slightly formal way to agree. It is common in British formal speech and writing.
  • Register: Indeed is neutral-to-formal. It fits academic essays, professional emails, and careful speech. In casual conversation, really or definitely are more natural choices.
  • Do not overuse: Using indeed more than once or twice in a short paragraph can sound stiff or over-emphatic. Vary with in fact, certainly, or truly.

Common Mistakes

Watch Out For

Indeed, but I don't agree with you. (using indeed as a concession like "however" or "although")

I see your point; however, I don't agree. (use however/nevertheless for contrast)

She is indeed very talented, indeed. (repeating indeed in the same sentence)

She is indeed very talented. (one instance is enough)

Indeed the weather nice today. (missing auxiliary or copula)

The weather is indeed nice today. (indeed modifies the predicate, not the noun)

Related Words

certainly truly in fact actually really definitely undoubtedly clearly evidently

Practise This Word

Flash Cards Complete the Sentence Vocabulary Quiz Hangman

Frequently Asked Questions about “indeed”

What does indeed mean?
Indeed is an adverb with two main uses. First, it emphasises a statement or adds confirming information: "It is indeed a difficult problem." Second, it expresses agreement: "Did you enjoy the film? — I did indeed." Both uses signal that the speaker considers something to be genuinely or certainly true.
Is indeed formal or informal?
Indeed is considered slightly formal or emphatic in tone. It is common in written English, speeches, and academic contexts. In everyday conversation, speakers often prefer "really", "actually", or "yes, definitely" instead, though indeed does appear in natural spoken English for emphasis or polite agreement.
Where does indeed go in a sentence?
Indeed most often appears after the verb "to be" or an auxiliary verb ("It is indeed true"), at the end of a short agreement ("Yes, indeed"), or at the start of a clause for emphasis ("Indeed, the results were surprising"). Placing it before the main verb is less common but possible in formal writing.
What is the difference between indeed and in fact?
Both words introduce confirming or strengthening information, but there is a subtle difference. "Indeed" confirms that something is genuinely true, often reinforcing a prior statement. "In fact" tends to introduce additional or corrective information that may be surprising: "He said it was easy; in fact, it took three hours." They are often interchangeable, but "in fact" carries a stronger sense of correction or added detail.
Can indeed be used to show agreement?
Yes. "Indeed" is a standard way to agree with someone in formal or polite English: "That is a good point." — "Indeed it is." You can also use it alone as a one-word response: "Was the test hard?" — "Indeed." This use is more common in British English than American English.
What is the etymology of indeed?
Indeed was originally the phrase "in deed", meaning "in actual fact" or "in reality", as opposed to merely in theory or in word. The two words merged into a single adverb during the 14th century. The related expression "in word and deed" still reflects this older contrast between saying something and actually doing or experiencing it.
What are common collocations with indeed?
Common collocations include: "very … indeed" (used after an adjective — "very kind indeed"), "indeed it is / was / does", "indeed so", "most … indeed" (for formal superlative emphasis), and "true indeed". The pattern "very + adjective + indeed" is particularly characteristic of British English.
Is "very … indeed" grammatically correct?
Yes. The structure "very + adjective + indeed" is perfectly correct and is a hallmark of British English emphasis: "It was very cold indeed", "She was very helpful indeed." Here "indeed" reinforces "very", making the statement even stronger. This pattern is less common in American English.
What is the difference between indeed and certainly?
Both words confirm that something is true, but "certainly" often implies the speaker's confidence or willingness ("Certainly, I will help you"), while "indeed" confirms a fact or agrees with a statement already made. "Indeed" is more retrospective — it looks back at something just said or known — whereas "certainly" can also look forward.
How can I practise using indeed in English?
Try LexFizz's Complete the Sentence exercise to see indeed used in a variety of contexts, or use Flash Cards to test yourself on adverbs including indeed, certainly, truly, and actually. Reading formal articles and British novels is also an excellent way to notice how native speakers use indeed naturally.