an indefinite amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an indefinite amount of" 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 to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an indefinite amount of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured and why the exact quantity is not specified. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "an indefinite amount of" as a filler phrase without providing any context or relevance to the discussion. Always ensure that the lack of specificity is meaningful and not simply a result of laziness or lack of information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indefinite amount of" functions primarily as a determiner phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate a quantity that is not precisely defined or known. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and widespread.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

23%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an indefinite amount of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a quantity that is not precisely known or specified. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While its register is generally neutral, ensuring contextual relevance and avoiding overuse are key to effective communication. Alternatives such as "an unspecified quantity of" or "an undetermined amount of" can be used to vary expression while maintaining semantic accuracy. The phrase should be used when precision is not required or possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unspecified quantity of

Replaces "amount" with "quantity", emphasizing a lack of precise measurement.

an unknown quantity of

Highlights the lack of knowledge about the amount.

an undetermined quantity of

Emphasizes that the quantity has not been established.

a variable amount of

Suggests that the amount can change or fluctuate.

a certain amount of, but not defined

Specifies existence while acknowledging lack of determination of the amount.

an immeasurable amount of

Suggests the amount is so large or complex it cannot be measured.

a considerable but unspecified amount of

Indicates a significant amount that isn't detailed.

an unquantifiable amount of

Emphasizes that the amount cannot be expressed numerically.

a substantial, yet vague, quantity of

Combines the idea of a large amount with uncertainty.

a limitless amount of

Suggests the amount is so large that is not finite.

FAQs

How can I use "an indefinite amount of" in a sentence?

Use "an indefinite amount of" to describe a quantity that is not precisely known or specified. For example, "The success of the project depends on "an indefinite amount of" resources and dedication".

What's the difference between "an indefinite amount of" and "an infinite amount of"?

"An indefinite amount of" suggests that a quantity is unknown or unspecified but finite, while "an infinite amount of" /s/an+infinite+amount describes a quantity that is limitless and without bound.

Are there formal alternatives to "an indefinite amount of"?

Yes, you can use more formal alternatives such as "an unspecified quantity of", "an undetermined amount of", or "a variable amount of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "an indefinite amount of"?

It is acceptable to use "an indefinite amount of" when precision is not required or when the exact quantity is genuinely unknown. However, if the quantity can be determined, it is more accurate to provide a specific measurement.