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Meaning & use

indenting

verb, noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ɪnˈdentɪŋ/
US/ɪnˈdentɪŋ/

“indenting” is a form of “indent”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. verbtransitive or intransitive

    Starting a line of writing further from the edge than the other lines.

    Grammar: Can take an object: 'indent the paragraph.' Can also be used without an object: 'The first line indents automatically.'

    Patterns

    • indent something
    • indent a line
    • indent the first line

    Please indent each new paragraph so the text is easier to read.

    The teacher asked us to indent the first line of every paragraph by one inch.

    In many styles, you indent the first line instead of leaving a blank line.

  2. nouncountable or uncountable

    The space left at the beginning of a line of writing, or the act of leaving such a space.

    Grammar: Countable when referring to a particular space: 'a deep indent.' Uncountable when talking about the practice: 'Indenting is optional here.'

    Patterns

    • use indenting
    • a small indent
    • the indenting of something

    The indenting in this document is inconsistent.

    You can change the indenting in the settings menu.

    A small indenting at the start of each paragraph improves readability.

Word forms

third person singularindents
past tenseindented
past participleindented
present participleindenting

Common combinations

indent a paragraph
Remember to indent a paragraph when you start a new idea.
indent the first line
Most style guides tell you to indent the first line.
automatic indenting
The word processor has automatic indenting turned on.
deep indenting
Deep indenting can make the text look cluttered.

Synonyms and how they differ

set in
Used in printing and publishing for text that is moved inward from the margin; less common in everyday writing.
space
A general word for leaving empty area; 'indent' is more specific to the start of a line.

Word family

indent verb
To start a line further from the edge.
indentation noun
A space or cut made by indenting.
indented adjective
Having a line or edge that is set inward.

Commonly confused: indenting or indention?

indenting vs indention

A rare variant of 'indentation'; 'indenting' is the usual noun for the action, and 'indentation' for the result.

Practice

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