at an unspecified time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at an unspecified time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an event or action that will occur but the exact timing is not defined. Example: "The meeting will be scheduled at an unspecified time, so please keep your calendar open."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Tomb Raider, due out at an unspecified time next year, is notably unlike its predecessors.

The Guardian - Tech

It was belatedly picked up by IFC Films, which plans to show it at an unspecified time this year.

The New York Times

In exchange, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal agreed to resign at an unspecified time in the future to "pave the way" for a new government.

The New York Times

But Mr. Mahmoud told interrogators that the group split up at an unspecified time before he left for Syria with Uday and Qusay, according to the American officials.

The New York Times

In an unidentified city at an unspecified time and place, they meet one night, seemingly by chance while the Client (Nick Battiste) is out for a walk.

The New York Times

Perhaps that's why so many of them are reading "The Hunger Games," a trilogy of novels by Suzanne Collins, which take place at an unspecified time in North America's future.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The fact that Google employees are seemingly unable to log onto internal systems could be a result of the internal security tests and scans, but Google has apparently also asked China employees to 'relax at home' for an unspecified time.

TechCrunch

The company also continued to provide CCTV security at Glynn's home for an unspecified time.

The Guardian - Business

The buyback will take place over an unspecified time.

The New York Times

Yet it will give banks an unspecified time in which to get there.

The Economist

A post eulogized the talks' death "until an unspecified time".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether a more specific but still flexible alternative, such as "in the coming weeks" or "by the end of the year", might provide sufficient clarity without requiring a precise date.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple vague time references. For example, "We will address this issue at an unspecified time in the near future" can be shortened to "We will address this issue soon" for better clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at an unspecified time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action will occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct to use. It adds information about timing, but without providing a precise point in time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

28%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

The Guardian - Film

3%

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at an unspecified time" serves as a versatile adverbial phrase to indicate that an event will happen without specifying when. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is frequently found in news, scientific, and general contexts. To improve clarity, consider whether you can provide even a rough timeframe instead. When you need more alternatives to this phrase use "at an indeterminate time" or "at an unknown time".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at an indeterminate time

Emphasizes the lack of a fixed or established time.

at an unknown time

Highlights the lack of awareness or knowledge about the time.

at a non-specific time

Directly indicates a lack of specificity regarding the time.

at a later date

Indicates a time in the future, without specifying when.

at an unstated moment

Focuses on the lack of explicit mention of the timing.

at some point in the future

Broader and less precise, referring to an unspecified time in the future.

at a time to be determined

Formally indicates that the exact time will be decided later.

at some future juncture

A more formal way to indicate an event will occur at a later, unspecified time.

when the time is right

Implies a time that is appropriate or suitable for a particular action.

in due course

Suggests that something will happen at the appropriate time, though unspecified.

FAQs

How can I use "at an unspecified time" in a sentence?

You can use "at an unspecified time" to refer to an event that will occur, but the exact timing is not yet determined. For example, "The product launch is scheduled for "at an unspecified time" next year."

What phrases are similar to "at an unspecified time"?

Similar phrases include "at an indeterminate time", "at an unknown time", or "at a later date". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of uncertainty you want to convey.

Is it better to be specific about time rather than saying "at an unspecified time"?

Whenever possible, providing a specific timeframe is generally preferable for clarity. However, if the timing is genuinely uncertain or depends on external factors, "at an unspecified time" is appropriate. In these cases, consider adding context, like '...pending regulatory approval'.

What's the difference between "at an unspecified time" and "eventually"?

"Eventually" implies that something will happen after a period of time, without any guarantee of when. "At an unspecified time" simply denotes that the timing isn't defined, but does not necessarily mean it is far off.