for an indefinite duration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for an indefinite duration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a time period that is not fixed or specified, often in legal, contractual, or general contexts. Example: "The lease agreement will remain in effect for an indefinite duration, allowing the tenant to stay as long as they comply with the terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

To critics, the secrecy has for years permitted Obama to conceal the damage in human lives inflicted by what he calls "targeted killing", insulating him politically from the consequences of lethal decisions that the president has decided can occur anywhere on earth for an indefinite duration.

The Guardian

The latter category includes a delineation of specific practicalities an Army wife should expect to confront in the event that, say, her husband arrives home one day with the news that in less than twenty-four heurs he will be deployed for an indefinite duration to an overseas location that he's not at liberty to disclose but which his demeanor suggests either is or rhymes with Afghanistan.

The New Yorker

This would require a massive US involvement, including troops on the ground, for an indefinite duration.

BBC

The U.S. had been "compelled to create" a huge national-defense establishment, Ike said, because it could no longer risk an emergency improvisation in defense -- precisely because it would face a "hostile" and "ruthless" ideology for an "indefinite" duration.

Huffington Post

In some of the considered scenarios, vaccinated individuals are additionally placed under surveillance for an indefinite duration, so that they can be prevented from spreading the infection.

BMC Infectious Diseases

In some of the considered scenarios, highly connected individuals are additionally placed under surveillance for an indefinite duration, so that they can be prevented from spreading the infection.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

This paper examines factors explaining the choice of an indefinite duration for inter-firm contracts from the transaction cost perspective using a sample of subcontracting agreements in the Spanish electronics industry.

International Review of Law and Economics

6MWT is a self-paced walking test of fixed distance, while ISWT is a paced test of an indefinite duration.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

There might be hesitancy over losing a serving judge to an inquiry with an indefinite duration.

Independent

IV epoprostenol treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has been believed to require an indefinite duration of therapy.

Chest

The main differences between MASH and support groups is that the latter have a fixed duration and are organized and led by professionals, whereas the former have an indefinite duration and are both governed and led by peers.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for an indefinite duration", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being extended or continued without a specified endpoint. For example, "The project will be funded for an indefinite duration, subject to ongoing review."

Common error

Don't assume the audience understands the implied limits. Even though the duration is indefinite, clarify any conditions or reviews that could affect continuation. Unclear contexts can lead to misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for an indefinite duration" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the length of time that something will last. It specifies that the action or state will continue without a defined endpoint. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for an indefinite duration" serves to express that something will continue without a fixed endpoint. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and acceptable in various contexts. While predominantly found in News & Media and Science sources, its use extends to other domains as well. When employing this phrase, ensure that the surrounding context provides clarity regarding potential conditions or limitations. Alternatives like "for an unspecified time" or "for an unlimited period" can offer similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for an unspecified time

Emphasizes the lack of a defined end time.

for an unlimited period

Highlights the absence of any limit or restriction on the duration.

for an indeterminate time

Focuses on the uncertainty of the end.

for a protracted duration

Suggests a considerable length of time.

for a sustained period

Implies a continuous and ongoing duration.

for an unstated duration

Highlights that the duration has not been explicitly mentioned.

for a continuing term

Suggests an ongoing and potentially lengthy duration.

for the foreseeable future

Implies a duration that is likely to continue based on current circumstances.

without a set end date

Directly states that there is no pre-determined conclusion.

in perpetuity

Indicates a duration that lasts forever.

FAQs

How can I use "for an indefinite duration" in a sentence?

You can use "for an indefinite duration" to describe something that will continue without a set end time. For example: "The program will run "for an indefinite duration", subject to annual review."

What are some alternatives to "for an indefinite duration"?

Some alternatives include "for an unspecified time", "for an unlimited period", or "for the foreseeable future" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "for an indefinite period" or "for an indefinite duration"?

Both "for an indefinite period" and "for an indefinite duration" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Duration" might be preferred in more formal or technical contexts, while "period" is generally more common.

What is the difference between "indefinite" and "undetermined" duration?

"Indefinite duration" suggests that there is no set end date from the beginning. "Undetermined duration" implies that the end date is not yet known but may be determined later. They are similar, but "undetermined" carries a stronger sense of potential future specification.