an indefinite future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an indefinite future" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a time period that is not clearly defined or specified, often in contexts related to planning or predictions. Example: "The project's success depends on various factors, and we are currently facing an indefinite future regarding its timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It is not an indefinite future however.

The Economist

Generally, property given by testament cannot be tied up by the testator for an indefinite future.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Not to mention, of course, that these sufferings will continue for an indefinite future.

The New York Times

This is Washington's war, and the post-Saddam scenarios describe an American occupation for an indefinite future.

The New Yorker

With nearly two-thirds of young people unemployed and with few job prospects, many face an indefinite future living off parents and other relatives.

The Guardian

It is barely credible that, year after year into an indefinite future, benefactors will stump up these sums for annual maintenance costs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

We don't directly pay the resulting costs, which are postponed to a vague and indefinite future in which none of us can be held individually accountable for a devastating increase in the level and variability of average global temperatures.

The New York Times

The argument is that the potential threat of injury, representing as it does only a possibility for the indefinite future, is no basis for a decree in an interstate suit since we cannot issue declaratory decrees.

Cornell University

If not, the little crust of white powder that technicians found at the bottom of the reactor vessel, a discovery that has brought operations here to a halt for the indefinite future, could be the beginning of a broad problem for the nuclear power industry.

The New York Times

The proposed timeline would be a substantial concession from an American negotiation position that even just weeks ago put off a transfer into the indefinite future, basing it on the success of training an Afghan guard force capable of running the complex American detention facilities.

The New York Times

"When you push aside all the puffery and high-flying political announcements, with the landing of Atlantis, the human spaceflight programme of the US will come to an end for the indefinite future," Professor Griffin told BBC News.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "an indefinite future" with verbs that express anticipation, concern, or planning to highlight the impact of the uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "an indefinite future" to mean "an infinite future". 'Indefinite' implies uncertainty or lack of defined limits, not necessarily limitless duration. If you mean without end, use 'infinite' or 'endless' instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indefinite future" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It denotes a period of time lacking specific boundaries or a defined endpoint, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an indefinite future" is a commonly used noun phrase that suggests uncertainty and a lack of defined limits regarding events or conditions to come. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent usage in diverse contexts, predominantly within news and media and encyclopedic writings. When using the phrase, it is important to consider the nuance of uncertainty and absence of predictable parameters that it conveys, and to avoid confusing it with 'infinite'. Related phrases such as "an uncertain future" or "an unclear future" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific emphasis desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an uncertain future

Emphasizes the lack of predictability or assurance about what will happen.

an unclear future

Highlights the lack of clarity or understanding about the direction things will take.

an undefined future

Focuses on the absence of specific parameters or boundaries for the period being discussed.

an unknown future

Stresses the lack of information or knowledge about what lies ahead.

an unspecified future

Highlights that the future hasn't been detailed or articulated clearly.

a prolonged future

Suggests that the future is expected to last for an extended duration.

an indeterminate future

Emphasizes the lack of fixed limits or boundaries of the future.

a vague future

Highlights the absence of specifics or clarity about events that are to come.

a blurry future

Suggests that the direction and specifics of the future are distorted or unclear.

an unwritten future

Emphasizes that the events that are going to happen have not been defined or planned.

FAQs

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

You can use "an indefinite future" to describe situations where the timeline or outcome is uncertain. For example: "The company faces "an indefinite future" due to the changing market conditions."

What are some alternatives to "an indefinite future"?

Alternatives include "an uncertain future", "an unclear future", or "an unknown future", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

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

No, it is incorrect. The article "an" should be used before words that begin with a vowel sound, like 'indefinite'.

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

"An indefinite future" implies uncertainty about the duration or outcome, while "an infinite future" suggests a future that extends without limit or end. They are not interchangeable.