To solve variational indefinite problems, one uses classically the Banach-Necas-Babuška theory. Here, we study an alternate theory to solve those problems: T-coercivity. Moreover, we prove that one can use this theory to solve the approximate problems, which provides an alternative to the celebrated Fortin lemma. We apply this theory to solve the indefinite problem $div\sigma\nabla u = f$ set in $H^1_0$, with $\sigma$ exhibiting a sign change.