extend indefinitely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extend indefinitely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that continues without a defined endpoint or limit. Example: "The project timeline may extend indefinitely if we do not receive the necessary funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Such crystals can extend indefinitely in all three dimensions.

The Economist

In principle, the distance and weighting functions should extend indefinitely in either direction.

Stanford University

Pilots have voted to extend indefinitely a work slowdown against Cathay Pacific Airways.

The New York Times

Legislation was introduced in both chambers of Congress to extend indefinitely a moratorium on Internet taxes.

The New York Times

This line of reasoning would lead to the conclusion that expenses incurred "because of" a baseless filing extend indefinitely.

Cornell University

Another would be to extend indefinitely the monitoring of Romania's feeble justice system which was supposed to end this summer.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

This carries the implication that the scale might be extended indefinitely to the right with a corresponding indefinite increase in flood magnitude.

Journal of Hydrology

Such patience, however, cannot be extended indefinitely.

The Guardian - Sport

Coleman's existing ban was extended indefinitely.

The Guardian - Sport

The campaign has been extended indefinitely.

The New York Times

Contracts at Ford Motor and Chrysler have been extended indefinitely.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extend indefinitely", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being extended and under what conditions, to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "extend the deadline indefinitely" rather than just "extend indefinitely".

Common error

Avoid using "extend indefinitely" too frequently in your writing, as it can make the text repetitive and monotonous. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "continue without end" or "last perpetually" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extend indefinitely" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used with auxiliary verbs (e.g., 'can extend', 'was extended', 'will extend'). It indicates the action of prolonging something without a specified endpoint. Ludwig shows it commonly modifies durations, periods, or timelines.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

23%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extend indefinitely" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the action of prolonging something without a specified end date. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in News & Media, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being extended. While useful, avoid overuse by substituting with synonyms such as "continue endlessly" or "last perpetually" to maintain engagement. "Extend indefinitely" implies a lack of a defined limit, so ensure this is the intended meaning for accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue endlessly

Replaces "extend" with "continue" and "indefinitely" with "endlessly", focusing on the unending nature.

go on forever

Uses a more informal and emphatic expression to indicate a lack of termination.

last perpetually

Emphasizes the continuous and enduring nature of something.

remain without limit

Highlights the absence of restrictions or boundaries to the duration.

persist without end

Stresses the ongoing existence or continuation despite potential challenges.

stretch without termination

Emphasizes the expansive and unending nature.

prolong ceaselessly

Highlights the active continuation without pause.

elongate unboundedly

Focuses on the unrestricted growth or expansion.

sustain limitlessly

Emphasizes the lack of constraints on the duration of support or continuation.

perpetuate eternally

Highlights the continuous and everlasting nature of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "extend indefinitely" to describe something that has no defined end. For example, "The trial period may "extend indefinitely" if we don't gather enough data."

What are some alternatives to "extend indefinitely"?

Alternatives include phrases like "continue endlessly", "go on forever", or "last perpetually", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "extended indefinitely"?

Yes, "extended indefinitely" is grammatically correct. It's often used in passive constructions, such as "The deadline was "extended indefinitely"".

What's the difference between "extend indefinitely" and "extend temporarily"?

"Extend indefinitely" means something will continue without a set end date, while "extend temporarily" means it will continue only for a limited period. For instance, "The state of emergency may "extend indefinitely"", versus "The state of emergency was "extended temporarily" due to the ongoing crisis".