indeed
part of speech
adverb (indeed)
meaning for a pupil
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 →
sense 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 the corpora
- The Mole's apology: «I am very sorry indeed for my foolish and ungrateful conduct ...
- «The end was indeed nearer than even the Rat suspected.» — the writer warns us something is coming.
- The Badger: «It would be astonishing indeed, if I had done it.
- The Rat, «dubiously» (doubtfully): «Very good news indeed, if only—if only——».
- «Washerwoman, indeed! ...
Trees and pragmatics
Every meaning and example of «indeed» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.