an indefinite number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an indefinite number 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 study revealed that there were an indefinite number of factors influencing the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

-As long as they are elected, senators can serve an indefinite number of terms.

The New York Times

Consisting of an indefinite number of highly contrasting sections, surprise and expression were of prime significance.

Britannica

The meetings may go on for an indefinite number of days, he indicated, unless the print ers are locked out.

The New York Times

Perhaps the treatment of Taylor demonstrates that England will not give an indefinite number of chances to even promising youngsters.

Independent

Language, he now thought, is like an instrument that can be used for an indefinite number of purposes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It did not apply to publication on the internet because material placed on the web would be available to an indefinite number of people.

The Guardian

I have been told they are waiting for a further update from BT Openreach and I will have to wait for an indefinite number of days.

The Guardian - Money

"Electronic texts simply aren't the same as other texts in their fluidity, simultaneity and availability on an indefinite number of machines," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Without the emperor's authority, MacArthur warned Washington, a million troops might be needed for an indefinite number of years to maintain order in Japan.

The New York Times - Books

The extended Goldberg series of polyhedra provides an indefinite number of ever-greater structures, so in principle there is no intrinsic limit to size.

Nature

Because any text can be interpreted in an indefinite number of ways, the search for the "correct" interpretation of a text is always hopeless.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness, consider alternative phrases like "various" or "several" if they adequately convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "an indefinite number of" in technical or scientific writing where precise quantities are expected. Instead, strive to determine and report specific values or ranges whenever possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indefinite number of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate an unspecified or unknown quantity. Ludwig provides several examples where it modifies nouns like "times", "days", and "years".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an indefinite number of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an unspecified quantity or amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase can be used when the exact number is unknown or considered irrelevant. Its usage spans across various domains, including news reporting, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overuse in situations demanding precision. Consider synonyms such as "an unspecified quantity of", "an unknown quantity of", or "a countless number of" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unspecified quantity of

Replaces "number" with "quantity", focusing on amount rather than count. It indicates a lack of precise specification regarding volume or mass.

an unknown quantity of

Substitutes "indefinite" with "unknown", emphasizing that the amount is not known or cannot be determined. It shifts the focus to the lack of knowledge about the quantity.

a countless number of

Replaces "indefinite" with "countless", suggesting that the number is so large as to be impractical to count. It gives a sense of abundance or magnitude.

an unquantifiable amount of

Changes the focus from a numerical count to an amount that cannot be easily measured or quantified. It is suitable when precision is impossible or unnecessary.

a considerable amount of

Indicates a substantial but not precisely defined quantity. This alternative phrase stresses the significance of the amount.

a multitude of

Replaces the entire phrase with a single noun indicating a large and unspecified quantity. "Multitude" implies a great number of items or elements.

various

Uses a single word that means different or several. Useful where precision is not required, and the exact count isn't important.

several

Indicates more than two but not many. It provides more specificity than "an indefinite number of" but is still imprecise.

numerous

Indicates a large number; implies a formal context. It is less common in very informal contexts.

a range of

Suggests the number falls within certain limits, which are themselves undefined. The phrase emphasizes a spectrum or variety.

FAQs

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

You can use "an indefinite number of" to refer to a quantity that is not precisely known or specified. For example, "The experiment could be repeated "an indefinite number of times"."

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

Alternatives include "an unspecified quantity of", "an unknown quantity of", or "a countless number of", depending on the context and desired emphasis.

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

In some contexts, such as scientific reports or business plans, being specific is preferable. However, "an indefinite number of" is appropriate when the exact quantity is unknown, irrelevant, or impractical to determine. If you can use the precise quantity then it's better to do that.

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

"An indefinite number of" implies the quantity is unknown or unspecified but still finite. "An infinite number of" refers to a quantity that is limitless and without end. It's important to not confuse the two.