Indent/ɪnˈdent/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Essay Structure Indenting signals the start of a new paragraph, organizing thoughts in essays. Remember to indent after the introduction. Pro Tip 2/3Visual Clarity An indent helps readers distinguish between separate ideas or steps. Each instruction was indented, making the manual easy to follow. Pro Tip 3/3Block Quotes In academic writing, longer quotes are indented to set them apart. The excerpt was indented because it exceeded four lines.