date is indefinite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "date is indefinite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a date that is not fixed or specific, often in contexts like scheduling or planning. Example: "The project timeline is flexible, so the date is indefinite for now."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

If O'Neill -- found last week to have a stress fracture -- is pained and cannot run, the date of his possible return is indefinite.

The New York Times - Sports

I.P.C. is similar to other forms of solitary confinement, except that most prisoners sent to solitary are given a release date; a sentence to I.P.C. typically is indefinite.

The New Yorker

"Nobody ever protected me before". I.P.C. is similar to other forms of solitary confinement, except that most prisoners sent to solitary are given a release date; a sentence to I.P.C. typically is indefinite.

The New Yorker

IPP prisoners are those serving a sentence of imprisonment for public protection – it is indefinite (equivalent to a life sentence) which means that anyone subject to it does not have a release date.

The Guardian - Opinion

Belgium's is indefinite.

The New York Times

Their detention is indefinite.

The Guardian

This is indefinite".

The Guardian

"You can never say anything is indefinite".

The Guardian - Film

The duration of the expulsion is indefinite.

The Guardian

Military sources say the army's stay is "indefinite".

The Economist

The total length of the poem is indefinite.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "date is indefinite" when you genuinely cannot provide a specific timeframe. Avoid using it as a stall tactic; be transparent about the reasons for the uncertainty.

Common error

Don't use "date is indefinite" if the date is simply unconfirmed but expected soon. "Indefinite" implies a longer or entirely uncertain timeframe. Instead use "date is unconfirmed" or "date is pending confirmation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "date is indefinite" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, indicating the lack of a specific or determined timeframe for an event or action. It sets an expectation of uncertainty regarding scheduling.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "date is indefinite" is a grammatically sound way to express that a specific date is not yet determined. While Ludwig reports that it is usable in written English, there are no real-world example in the provided data. This suggests that while grammatically correct, this phrase is not common. When using "date is indefinite", ensure it aligns with your intended meaning of conveying genuine uncertainty about a future date. Consider alternatives like "date is undetermined" or "date is not yet set" for nuanced contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

date is undetermined

Replaces "indefinite" with "undetermined" maintaining the meaning of being not yet decided.

date is not yet set

Emphasizes the absence of a scheduled date.

date is to be determined

Formally indicates that the date will be decided later.

date is provisional

Suggests the date is subject to change.

date is open

Implies the date is flexible and not firmly arranged.

date is pending

Indicates the date is waiting to be confirmed.

date is unscheduled

Highlights the absence of a scheduled date.

date remains uncertain

Focuses on the uncertainty surrounding the date.

date is flexible

Suggests the date can be easily adjusted.

date is contingent

The date depends on other circumstances.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "date is indefinite"?

Use "date is indefinite" when the exact timing of an event or action is not yet determined and may not be for a considerable period. It suggests a lack of a fixed schedule or specific timeframe.

What are some alternatives to saying "date is indefinite"?

You can use alternatives such as "date is undetermined", "date is not yet set", or "date is to be determined" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "date is indefinite"?

Yes, "date is indefinite" is grammatically correct. It uses the noun "date" with the verb "is" and the adjective "indefinite" to describe the state of the date being unspecified.

What's the difference between saying "date is indefinite" and "date is unconfirmed"?

"Date is indefinite" suggests a higher degree of uncertainty and a potentially longer timeframe before a date is set. "Date is unconfirmed" simply means the date hasn't been officially verified, implying it might be known soon.