continue indefinitely

USAGE SUMMARY

"continue indefinitely" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to continue without any set end or limit. Example: The meeting was adjourned with the decision to continue indefinitely until a solution was reached.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The process can continue indefinitely.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This should continue indefinitely.

The Guardian

These inspections cannot continue indefinitely.

The New York Times

But this cannot continue indefinitely.

The Guardian

The cemetery live stream will continue indefinitely.

The New York Times

The discount can then continue indefinitely.

The New York Times

I don't know that can continue indefinitely.

The New York Times

A stalemate is likely to continue indefinitely.

The Guardian

Its current decline may well continue indefinitely.

The New York Times

"This cannot continue indefinitely," he said.

The Guardian

Matters cannot continue indefinitely along these lines.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continue indefinitely" to clearly indicate that an action, process, or state has no predetermined endpoint or expected cessation. This avoids ambiguity about the duration or scope.

Common error

Avoid using "continue indefinitely" when the continuation is dependent on a specific condition or event. Instead, clarify the conditions under which the continuation would cease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue indefinitely" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify the duration of the action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continue indefinitely" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that signifies the lack of a predetermined endpoint for an action or process. According to Ludwig AI, it is a common expression. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts, it's important to use it when intending to convey an open-ended duration without specific conditions. While alternatives exist, they often carry slightly different nuances. A key consideration is to avoid misinterpreting its meaning as conditional; ensure that the continuation is genuinely intended to be without limit. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian regularly employ it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persist without limit

Emphasizes the endurance aspect, suggesting something continues despite potential obstacles.

go on perpetually

Highlights the ceaseless and never-ending nature of the action.

carry on endlessly

Focuses on the sustained and limitless progression of something.

extend without end

Stresses the lack of termination and the potentially expanding nature of the action.

prevail perpetually

Indicates that something not only continues but also maintains dominance or influence over time.

remain ongoing forever

Directly states that something will stay in progress for an unlimited duration.

endure without ceasing

Highlights the ability to last and persist without interruption.

sustain indefinitely

Focuses on maintaining something at a certain level for an unlimited period.

progress ceaselessly

Emphasizes uninterrupted advancement or development.

operate perpetually

Highlights the endless functioning of a system or process.

FAQs

How can I use "continue indefinitely" in a sentence?

Use "continue indefinitely" to express that something will proceed without a set end. For instance, "The negotiations will "continue indefinitely" until an agreement is reached" signifies there's no planned stop date.

What are some alternatives to "continue indefinitely"?

Alternatives include "persist without limit", "go on perpetually", or "carry on endlessly", depending on the desired emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "continue indefinitely"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that there's no predetermined end to a process or activity. Be sure that the context supports the idea of an unlimited duration.

Is "continue indefinitely" too strong of a statement?

It can be if there's a reasonable expectation of an eventual end. If the continuation depends on certain conditions, it's better to state those conditions rather than using "continue indefinitely".