an indefinite amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an indefinite amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quantity that is not specified or is unknown. Example: "The project requires an indefinite amount of resources, making it difficult to budget accurately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A stone simply lies on the ground for an indefinite amount of time.

Yale University

It's a burden knowing they have to keep things in order for an indefinite amount of time.

The New York Times

Under law, the judge is allowed an indefinite amount of time to accept or reject prosecutors' recommendations.

The New York Times

"People in receipt of those letters need to have a reasonable, if not an indefinite, amount of time to reply".

The Guardian

Depending on the scheduling of Nelson's treatment, he could join the team on its six-game road trip before missing an indefinite amount of time.

The New York Times - Sports

Another, Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, said: "Leaving behind tens of thousands of troops in Iraq for an indefinite amount of time is nothing new.

The New York Times

The rest of the applications were either denied or left "pending" for an indefinite amount of time, most for more than a year since being filed.

Harvard University

It is recognized that semantics can enhance web automation, but it will take an indefinite amount of effort to convert the current HTML Web into the Semantic Web.

Decision Support Systems

Even with Mark Teixeira lost again for an indefinite amount of time because of a calf strain, the Yankees pounded the Orioles, 13-3, toncece again push Baltimore a game behind them in the A.L. East standings.

The New York Times - Sports

In other words, work will no longer be confined to employment contracts that require people to work at least eight hours a day for an indefinite amount of time for a corporation.

Harvard Business Review

As this would overstretch the country's already-weak administrative and financial capacity, holding local elections would also postpone the 2016 legislative and presidential elections for an indefinite amount of time.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an indefinite amount", ensure the context clearly communicates the reason for the lack of specificity. For example, specify if it's due to current uncertainty or inherent variability.

Common error

Avoid using "an indefinite amount" when a more precise estimate or range can be provided. Aim for specificity whenever feasible to enhance clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indefinite amount" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a quantity that is not precisely defined or known. Ludwig shows many examples in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an indefinite amount" is a versatile phrase used to describe a quantity that is not precisely determined, often due to uncertainty or variability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate in a wide range of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academic writing. While alternatives like "an unspecified amount" or "an unknown quantity" may sometimes be suitable, it's important to remember when a more specific estimate could be provided, enhancing clarity. This phrase serves as a practical tool when exact figures are unavailable or irrelevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unspecified quantity

Replaces "amount" with "quantity", emphasizing the lack of precise determination.

an unknown quantity

Focuses on the lack of knowledge about the amount or quantity.

an undetermined quantity

Highlights that the amount is yet to be established or decided.

an unlimited quantity

Suggests there is no restriction on the amount.

an unbounded quantity

Implies no limits or boundaries to the amount.

a considerable amount

Indicates a noteworthy quantity without being specific.

a substantial amount

Similar to "considerable", but suggests a more significant quantity.

a certain amount

Implies there's an amount, but it's not precisely defined or revealed.

a variable quantity

Emphasizes that the amount can change or fluctuate.

a flexible amount

Suggests that the amount is adaptable and can be adjusted as needed.

FAQs

How do you use "an indefinite amount" in a sentence?

The phrase "an indefinite amount" is used to describe a quantity that is not precisely determined or specified. For example: "The project may take "an indefinite amount" of time to complete."

What can I say instead of "an indefinite amount"?

You can use alternatives such as "an unspecified amount", "an unknown quantity", or "an undetermined quantity" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of saying "an indefinite amount"?

Whenever possible, providing specific details or estimates is preferable to using "an indefinite amount". However, when the amount truly cannot be determined, the phrase is appropriate. The choice depends on the availability of information and the context.

What is the difference between "an indefinite amount" and "an infinite amount"?

"An indefinite amount" refers to a quantity that is not specified but is potentially finite. "An infinite amount", on the other hand, refers to a quantity that is limitless and without end.