an indefinite source of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an indefinite source of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a source that is not clearly defined or has no specific limits, often in contexts discussing resources, information, or inspiration. Example: "The internet serves as an indefinite source of information for researchers and students alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

With the advent of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, patient-specific stem cells can be developed and expanded into an indefinite source of cells.

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This brief paper presents an A-stability result for operator splitting type time integration methods applied to advection diffusion reaction equations with possibly indefinite source terms.

Journal of Computational Physics

Logan is currently on an indefinite leave of absence after her central source for the Benghazi story was found to be a serial liar.

Huffington Post

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an indefinite source of", ensure the context clearly indicates what kind of resource or supply you are referring to, enhancing the reader's understanding of its role.

Common error

Avoid using "an indefinite source of" when the source, in reality, has limitations or is not truly limitless. This can lead to misrepresentation and weaken the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indefinite source of" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object. It describes something that serves as a resource with unspecified or seemingly unlimited availability, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an indefinite source of" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes something acting as a resource with unspecified or seemingly unlimited availability. While not overly common, Ludwig examples show it appears across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. It is used to convey the idea that the specified entity provides a continuous or abundant resource. Consider alternative expressions like "an unlimited resource" or "an inexhaustible supply" to add variety and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inexhaustible source

Similar meaning, replacing 'unlimited' with 'inexhaustible'.

an unlimited resource

Focuses on the lack of limits on the resource.

a limitless supply

Directly states that the supply has no limits.

an inexhaustible supply

Highlights that the supply never runs out.

an unending stream

Emphasizes continuous flow or provision.

an unbounded origin

Focuses on the lack of boundaries or restrictions on the origin.

a boundless wellspring

Uses metaphorical language to suggest an abundant and continuous origin.

a bottomless reservoir

Emphasizes the depth and abundance of the resource.

an infinite reserve

Highlights the immeasurable quantity of the reserve.

a perennial fountain

Implies a continuous and self-renewing source.

FAQs

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

Use "an indefinite source of" to describe something that seems to have no end or limit, such as, 'The internet is "an indefinite source of information" for researchers'.

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

Alternatives include "an unlimited resource", "an inexhaustible supply", or "an unending stream", depending on the specific context.

Is it more accurate to say "an indefinite source of" or "an infinite source of"?

"An indefinite source of" suggests the source's limits are not clearly defined, while "an infinite source of" implies there are truly no limits. The most appropriate choice depends on the nature of the source being described.

What's the difference between "an indefinite source of" and "a renewable source of"?

"An indefinite source of" describes a source whose limits aren't clear or precisely defined, while "a renewable source of" specifies that the source can be replenished naturally over time.