a vague time frame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vague time frame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a period of time that is not clearly defined or specified. Example: "The project is expected to be completed within a vague time frame, making it difficult to plan resources effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A vague time frame?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Bush administration has repeatedly rejected a timetable for withdrawing troops, agreeing only to a more vague "time frame".

The Guardian

They'll provide vague time frames, as Gary Illyes did this week, but that's usually the extent of their generosity on the matter.

Forbes

The reports contained in the dossier provide vague time frames – "June 2016," "late July 2016," "mid-September 2016" – but do not provide a specific date, let alone a specific location, for any of the information provided.

HuffPost

Left to interpret vague time frames, patients shared their estimates.

Genetics in Medicine

Advocates were similarly frustrated with vague time frames presented by clinicians at fundraising venues: "It's difficult for [clinicians] because they're there to…generate optimism, because their goal is to generate funds…At the same time they have to be cautious about not raising hopes too high, and so you get the vague answer.

Genetics in Medicine

While no exact release date is given, we have the vague "January" time frame now, which is in line with what we've been hearing.

TechCrunch

But in Arkansas, the statute's language is vague: It does not include a time frame or define "concealment," so women who have miscarriages or stillbirths at home could be charged for waiting even a minute before calling authorities.

The New York Times

I've done it now on a six-month time frame, a one-year time frame, and a two-year time frame.

Forbes

The iPhone 5s was reportedly sold out in retail locations quickly around the globe, and shipping times at online Apple Store websites also slipped quickly into vague October time frames.

TechCrunch

Hospice is a philosophy, not a place or time frame.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vague time frame", follow it with an explanation of why the time frame is uncertain or what factors might influence it. This provides context and manages expectations.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "a vague time frame" in close proximity without providing specific reasons for the uncertainty. Overuse can make your communication seem evasive or poorly planned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vague time frame" functions as a noun phrase that modifies or describes a period, indicating that the duration is not precisely defined or known. Ludwig examples support this function, showing its use in various contexts to express temporal ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vague time frame" is a common phrase used to express uncertainty regarding a specific duration or period. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While it's important to use this phrase judiciously and provide context when possible, it serves as a practical way to acknowledge temporal ambiguity. Alternatives such as "an approximate timeframe" or "an unspecified duration" can offer more precise ways to express similar meanings, depending on the specific context. Avoiding overuse without justification ensures clearer and more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an indefinite period

Replaces "vague time frame" with a more general term for an unspecified duration.

an approximate timeframe

Substitutes "vague" with "approximate", suggesting a rough estimate rather than complete uncertainty.

an unspecified duration

Replaces "time frame" with "duration", focusing on the length of time without specifics.

an ill-defined schedule

Changes "time frame" to "schedule", implying a plan with unclear boundaries.

a loose timeline

Replaces "vague" with "loose", suggesting a flexible and not strictly adhered to plan.

an uncertain window

Substitutes "time frame" with "window", indicating a period of opportunity with an unknown end.

a rough estimate of time

Replaces "vague time frame" with a phrase explicitly stating an imprecise calculation of time.

an ambiguous period

Replaces "vague" with "ambiguous", highlighting the unclear nature of the time involved.

a flexible deadline

Replaces "time frame" with "deadline", implying that the ultimate end date is not fixed.

a tentative schedule

Substitutes "vague" with "tentative", suggesting that the schedule is subject to change.

FAQs

How can I use "a vague time frame" in a sentence?

You can use "a vague time frame" to indicate uncertainty about when something will happen. For instance, "The project is scheduled for completion within "an indefinite period", depending on resource availability."

What can I say instead of "a vague time frame"?

You can use alternatives like "an approximate timeframe", "an unspecified duration", or "an ill-defined schedule" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a vague time frame"?

It's appropriate to use "a vague time frame" when the exact timing of an event or project cannot be precisely determined due to various influencing factors. This could be due to resource constraints, unpredictable external variables, or evolving project scopes. Always provide context when possible.

Is using "a vague time frame" considered unprofessional?

Using "a vague time frame" isn't inherently unprofessional, but it depends on the context and how it's communicated. In professional settings, it's best to couple the phrase with reasons for the uncertainty and any available estimates to maintain transparency and manage expectations. Alternatives like "a tentative schedule" may sound more professional.