What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
indenting
Example
Please remember to indent the first line of each paragraph. [indent: verb]
Example
The code is easier to read when you use proper indenting. [indenting: noun]
formatting
Example
I spent hours formatting my resume to make it look professional. [formatting: verb]
Example
The website's formatting is clean and easy to navigate. [formatting: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Formatting is more commonly used than indenting in everyday language, especially in writing and technology contexts. Indenting is more commonly used in coding and writing, and may not be as familiar to those outside of these fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between indenting and formatting?
Both indenting and formatting can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but formatting is more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of contexts, including business and academic settings.