an indefinite duration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an indefinite duration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a time period that is not fixed or has no specific end date. Example: "The project will be on hold for an indefinite duration while we await further funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

There might be hesitancy over losing a serving judge to an inquiry with an indefinite duration.

Independent

IV epoprostenol treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has been believed to require an indefinite duration of therapy.

Chest

Instead, Congress made all States immediately amenable to suit in federal court for all kinds of possible patent infringement and for an indefinite duration.

Cornell University

Instead Congress made all States immediately amenable to federal-court suits for all kinds of possible patent infringement and for an indefinite duration.

Cornell University

This paper examines factors explaining the choice of an indefinite duration for inter-firm contracts from the transaction cost perspective using a sample of subcontracting agreements in the Spanish electronics industry.

International Review of Law and Economics

The main differences between MASH and support groups is that the latter have a fixed duration and are organized and led by professionals, whereas the former have an indefinite duration and are both governed and led by peers.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The results show that the probability of signing an indefinite-duration contract is related positively to the specificity of the activity and negatively to the degree of completeness of the contract and the uncertainty regarding future demand.

International Review of Law and Economics

This misrepresentation permits a policy of indefinite duration, endorsed by the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEAA), that allows children to live with an annual external dose up to 20 mSv and which I calculate would increase the lifetime cancer risk of a child by up to 7% over a decade.

The Guardian

Or it can be a process of indefinite duration.

The Economist

Whether Guantanamo could have stayed out of controversy is questionable, particularly in a war of indefinite duration.

The Washington Post

Tokens allow a call of indefinite duration.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an indefinite duration", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lasting for an unspecified time. For example, "The investigation is on hold for an indefinite duration pending further evidence."

Common error

Avoid using "an indefinite duration" when a specific timeframe is known or can be estimated. Overusing it can create ambiguity when clarity is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indefinite duration" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an adjective describing the length or term of an event, project, or condition. It indicates that the specified item lacks a predetermined end time. According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an indefinite duration" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote an unspecified or undetermined length of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate in written English. This phrase appears across diverse sources, from news outlets such as The New York Times and The Guardian to academic and scientific publications. When writing, it's important to use "an indefinite duration" to accurately reflect a lack of specified end time, avoiding its use when a timeframe is known. Consider alternatives like "an unspecified period" for variety and clarity. The phrase is suitable for neutral to formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unspecified period

Emphasizes the lack of a defined length of time.

an unlimited timeframe

Highlights the absence of temporal boundaries.

a non-fixed term

Focuses on the absence of a predetermined conclusion.

a duration without limit

Stresses the unbounded nature of the period.

a continuing period

Indicates an ongoing span of time, without a set end.

a potentially endless time

Implies the possibility of an unlimited duration.

an open-ended timespan

Suggests a time frame without a defined conclusion.

a timeless period

Emphasizes the absence of temporal restrictions.

a never-ending term

Highlights the constant, ongoing nature.

a permanent timeframe

Conveys an ongoing timeframe that lasts indefinitely.

FAQs

How can I use "an indefinite duration" in a sentence?

Use "an indefinite duration" to describe something that is expected to last for an unspecified amount of time. For example, "The project has been postponed for "an unspecified period" while we wait for additional funding".

What are some alternatives to saying "an indefinite duration"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an unspecified period", "an unlimited timeframe", or "a non-fixed term". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a indefinite duration" instead of "an indefinite duration"?

No, it is not correct. The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, such as "indefinite". Therefore, the correct phrase is "an indefinite duration".

What's the difference between "an indefinite duration" and "a fixed duration"?

"An indefinite duration" means the length of time is not specified or determined, while "a fixed duration" means the length of time is precisely defined and known.