What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
indent
Example
Please remember to indent the first line of each paragraph. [indent: verb]
Example
The car's bumper was badly dented from the collision. [dented: past tense verb]
Example
The text is indented too far to the right, making it difficult to read. [indented: adjective]
notch
Example
He carved a small notch in the tree to mark his progress. [notch: noun]
Example
The company's profits have reached a new notch this year. [notch: noun]
Example
She notched up another win in the tennis tournament. [notched: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Indent is more commonly used than notch in formal writing and publishing contexts. Notch is more commonly used in sports, business, or informal contexts to indicate progress or achievement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between indent and notch?
Indent is considered more formal than notch, which is often used in informal or colloquial contexts. However, both words can be used in various levels of formality depending on the context.
