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Indices vs. Indexes

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  Marius Alza  —  Grammar Tips
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Indices vs. Indexes

"Indices" is frequently used wrongly in various phrases, presentations and speeches, because it is often confused for "indexes". Some think these words refer to the same thing and therefore replace them even when it's not appropriate.

Two letters spelled differently inside two distinct words can count a lot, and they do for "indices" and "indexes" even though these words are still very similar. Find out what each word represents and what the limits are, that allow you to use "indices" instead of "indexes".

Indices vs. Indexes

Yes, "indices" is defined the same as "indexes" in a particular case, but only there. Apart from that, "indexes" has a bigger number of meanings and can be used in more contexts than "indices". Let's take a closer look to these.

When do we use "indices"?

"Indices" is a plural noun, one of the plural forms for "index", but only in a particular situation: when "index" refers to a system. "Indices" and "indexes" can refer to systems for recording changes and comparing values, usually in the financial domain. This is the only context where "indices" and "indexes" are synonyms, as well as the only situation where using "indices" is recommended.

Example: The price indices have registered a significant growth the last year. - "indices" refers to some elements in a financial system of comparing and recording values and their changes.

When do we use "indexes"?

Unlike "indices", which is limited to the meaning presented above, "indexes" represents the plural of "index" with a lot more significations. First, as a noun, "indexes" can define alphabetical lists of subjects, names, titles etc., usually in the last pages of a book, indicating the page where each title can be found. Secondly, it can also define a collection of data stored in a computer ordered alphabetically.

Nonetheless, as a noun, "indexes" can be synonym with "indices" (explained above), or can also be used when referring to more index fingers (the fingers next to the thumbs).

Eventually, "index" is also a verb referring to the action of arranging information in an index (in an alphabetically ordered list). Therefore, "indexes" can also be used as the singular third person present simple of this verb.

Example 1: Indexes usually contain every chapter title of a book and the page where you can find them. - referring to the list of alphabetically ordered titles in a book.

Example 2: Indexes of all our programs contain all the data you need. - alphabetically ordered collections of data stored in programs.

Example 3: The price indexes have registered a growing tendency during the last two years. - used with the same meaning as "indices" (explained above).

Example 4: Wearing rings on your indexes does not mean you are engaged or married. - referring to the index fingers.

Example 5: He indexes new titles on a daily basis, in the list of recently published books. - defining the action of arranging information in an index.

Conclusion

As you can see, "indexes" has numerous possibilities of use, in several contexts and with distinct meanings, whereas "indices" is only synonym with "indexes" when it refers to a particular meaning. Remember this limitation in order to always use these words correctly and never replace one with another in a situation that would change your message completely.

Indices vs. Indexes

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