an infinite amount of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an infinite amount of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts related to time that are limitless or without end, often in philosophical or theoretical contexts. Example: "If we had an infinite amount of time, we could explore every possibility without any constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Finova does not have an infinite amount of time to raise the money.

The New York Times

I would get to work at Columbia Pictures (and possibly meet people who could help me with my career) and would have an infinite amount of time to do nothing but write.

The New Yorker

It was not long after that Ms. Fels, now a designer for CDS/Studio B in New York, said she began imagining "spending an infinite amount of time with him".

The New York Times - Style

Goldberg's vision — with its triumph of mathematical certainties over editorial art — reminded me of the infinite-monkey theorem: if you were to have monkeys randomly strike typewriters for an infinite amount of time, the proposition goes, they would eventually type the complete works of Shakespeare.

The New Yorker

The Senate is testing its own corollary of the "infinite monkey theorem": if you give a monkey a typewriter and an infinite amount of time, he will eventually come up with the complete works of Shakespeare; and if you give a hundred senators each a staff and a vote, eventually they're going to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

The New Yorker

The completion of conceptual determinations, they seem to hold, would take an infinite amount of time.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

In fact, every dollar is taxed an infinite amount of times as it circulates through the economy.

The New York Times

*watches child put on shoes for what appears to be an infinite amount of time*.

Huffington Post

Some people might need a definite amount of infinite time, while others might need an infinite amount of definite time.

The Guardian

"She had a great and enduring love for the party, took a great interest in its members and staff, and seemed prepared to devote an almost infinite amount of time to it".

The Guardian - Books

How can each one of a "potentially infinite array" be "passed to" such concrete systems without it taking a potentially infinite amount of time?

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an infinite amount of time", ensure the context clearly supports the concept of limitlessness. It's most effective in theoretical discussions or when exaggerating for emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "an infinite amount of time" in situations where a task or process has a definite, albeit long, duration. It can sound hyperbolic or unrealistic. Consider using phrases like "a considerable amount of time" or "a significant period" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an infinite amount of time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid and usable phrase in written English. It denotes a duration that is limitless.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

48%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an infinite amount of time" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the concept of a limitless duration. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s suitable for use in written English. While versatile, its application is most effective in theoretical contexts, discussions of possibility, or when emphasizing the extreme duration of a hypothetical event. It appears frequently in both scientific and journalistic sources, although care should be taken to avoid hyperbole in practical scenarios where a finite, even if long, duration is more appropriate. Be aware of related phrases to fine-tune the expression of similar concepts. The data suggests that this expression is well-regarded across different sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time without end

Directly conveys the concept of endless time.

an endless duration

Highlights the unending nature of the time span.

a never-ending period

Stresses the absence of termination.

a boundless period

Emphasizes the lack of limits on the duration.

an immeasurable duration

Emphasizes the inability to quantify the length of time.

an unlimited time frame

Indicates no restrictions on the duration.

a limitless expanse of time

Focuses on the vast and unrestricted nature of time.

forever

Suggests an indefinite and continuous duration.

eternity

Implies an infinite and timeless existence.

perpetuity

Implies indefinite continuation or permanence.

FAQs

What does "an infinite amount of time" mean?

The phrase "an infinite amount of time" refers to a period without any limit or end. It suggests a duration that is conceptually endless, often used in theoretical or exaggerated contexts.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an infinite amount of time"?

It's suitable in discussions about theoretical possibilities, mathematical concepts involving infinity, or when emphasizing that something would take an extremely long, possibly unachievable, duration. Using it in everyday scenarios may sound hyperbolic.

What are some alternatives to "an infinite amount of time"?

Alternatives include "an endless duration", "a limitless expanse of time", "eternity", or "forever", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "an infinite amount of time"?

Yes, the phrase "an infinite amount of time" is grammatically correct. The word 'amount' is used correctly with the non-countable noun 'time'.