an indefinite list of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an indefinite list of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a list that is not specified in terms of quantity or completeness. Example: "The report included an indefinite list of recommendations for improving efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

While the community service cannot adopt an indefinite list of specific and separate conditions on which to focus resource allocation, the question is whether the service should be managed to maximise the supports needed for a particular patient, regardless of diagnosis, or whether a specific sub-service, dedicated to stroke patients, should be the focus of developments.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Identification of people who benefit from a certain energy system can make a nearly indefinite list.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

The coach is taking an indefinite leave of absence.

The New York Times - Sports

"They should be protected for an indefinite period of time".

The New York Times

This event promised an indefinite continuance of his policy and brought discontent to a head.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The projects of reform that he envisaged would necessitate an indefinite continuation of the occupation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Typhoid bacteria can persist for an indefinite period of time in the bile passages of patients.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The war paradigm now seems an indefinite grant of dangerously vast authority to the president.

The New York Times

(On Friday afternoon, the Hawks announced that Ferry was taking an indefinite leave of absence).

The New Yorker

"I am remanding him to the Metropolitan Detention Center for an indefinite period of time".

The New York Times

For an indefinite period of time.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an indefinite list of", ensure the context clarifies why the list is not being fully specified. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid implying completeness when using "an indefinite list of". If the list is intended to be exhaustive, use phrases like "a complete list of" or "an exhaustive list of" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indefinite list of" functions as a pre-modifying element specifying the kind of list being referred to. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, indicating a list that is not precisely defined in terms of quantity or specific items. The phrase acts as a determiner plus adjective, giving descriptive nuance to the noun.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an indefinite list of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote a list that is not fully specified or exhaustive. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure that the context clarifies the reason for the lack of specificity and to avoid implying completeness if it does not exist. Alternative phrases, such as "an unspecified inventory of", may be used to add nuance. While usable and correct, the relative rarity of the phrase suggests considering if a more precise term would benefit clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unspecified inventory of

Replaces "indefinite" with "unspecified", emphasizing lack of details.

a non-exhaustive compilation of

Highlights that the list is not complete.

a potentially limitless catalog of

Stresses the possibility of unlimited additions.

an unbounded array of

Emphasizes the lack of defined limits.

an extensive but not definitive collection of

Highlights the comprehensiveness while admitting incompleteness.

a diverse and open-ended selection of

Focuses on variety and possibility for additions.

a broad spectrum of

Indicates a wide range without specifying exact items.

a general assortment of

Offers a non-specific compilation of different things.

an informal grouping of

Highlights the relaxed, non-official nature of the collection.

a running compendium of

Emphasizes ongoing additions and updates to the list.

FAQs

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

Use "an indefinite list of" to refer to a collection where the precise contents or number of items is not specified or known. For instance: "The study provided "an indefinite list of" potential risk factors".

What's a good alternative to "an indefinite list of"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "an unspecified inventory of", "a non-exhaustive compilation of", or "a potentially limitless catalog of".

Is it better to use "indefinite" or "exhaustive" when describing a list?

It depends on the context. "Indefinite" implies the list is not fully defined or potentially incomplete, while "exhaustive" means the list includes all possible items. Choose the word that accurately reflects the list's nature.

How does "an indefinite list of" differ from "a comprehensive list of"?

"An indefinite list of" suggests a list that lacks specific boundaries or completeness, whereas "a comprehensive list of" implies a thorough, though not necessarily complete, overview. The latter suggests more effort toward inclusion.