indeed

Everyday

1. Indeed is used to make something stronger, meaning «really» or «truly», as in «very good indeed». tree →
2. Indeed is used to agree, meaning «yes, that is true», as in «"It's cold." "Indeed it is."». tree →
3. (formal) Indeed adds a stronger point, meaning «in fact» or «even more than that». tree →
4. (informal, ironic) «Indeed?» or «Why, indeed?» can show surprise or doubt. tree →

In the lessons

In writing lessons, «indeed» is a useful connective for persuasive writing: «Pets are good for us; indeed, they can help us feel calmer.» In everyday speech it sounds a bit formal or old-fashioned, but teachers and older people often say «Thank you very much indeed». In stories, a butler or a wise owl may say «Indeed». Phrases: «very ... indeed», «indeed it is», «a friend in need is a friend indeed».

Examples

• Thank you very much indeed. tree →
• «Was the test hard?» «Indeed it was.» tree →
• It was a very long walk indeed. tree →
• Spiders are useful; indeed, they eat lots of pests. tree →
• «A friend in need is a friend indeed,» Gran said. tree →
• «You think you can beat me? Indeed?» laughed the knight. tree →
• That is indeed the right answer. tree →
• This is indeed a terrible affair! tree →

Note

Adverb. Often follows «very + adjective» (very kind indeed). It is one word, from «in deed». It can begin a sentence but sounds formal.

In Jewish tradition

In writing lessons, «indeed» is a useful connective for persuasive writing: «Pets are good for us; indeed, they can help us feel calmer.» In everyday speech it sounds a bit formal or old-fashioned, but teachers and older people often say «Thank you very much indeed». In stories, a butler or a wise owl may say «Indeed». Phrases: «very ... indeed», «indeed it is», «a friend in need is a friend indeed».

Examples

• And Abraham drew near, and said: 'Wilt Thou indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? (Torah GEN.18.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• and said: 'Oh my lord, we came indeed down at the first time to buy food. (Torah GEN.43.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down to thee to the earth?' (Torah GEN.37.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• Do ye indeed speak as a righteous company? (Writings PSA.58.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself. (Writings JOB.19.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small indeed. (Writings PRO.24.10, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adverb. Often follows «very + adjective» (very kind indeed). It is one word, from «in deed». It can begin a sentence but sounds formal.