for an indefinite time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for an indefinite time" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a period of time that is not specified or known. Example: "I have been waiting for an indefinite time for my package to arrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

While that is open, press esc multiple times while releasing ctrl-alt-delete to ensure you hit it right as the menu is disappearing press ctrl-alt-delete once again and you will have control of the computer's mouse for 2-3 seconds An alternative method of gaining control, and for an indefinite time, is to remove the network cable from the back of the computer.

WikiHow

To aid the cause, this will be my last formal post for an indefinite time.

The New Yorker

"Just stuff to live on the wall for an indefinite time period".

The New York Times - Sports

The change will again leave the agency without a confirmed leader for an indefinite time.

The Washington Post

Even if that is true, bombings like the ones in Jakarta will recur for an indefinite time.

The New Yorker

Should his proposal become law, Germany will offer immediate entry, for an indefinite time, to highly qualified foreign workers.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Within 24 hours of being exposed to the public, Tay took on a racist, sexist, homophobic personality and had to be taken for an indefinite time-out.

TechCrunch

Patients with chronic asthma who take antiasthmatic drugs (including corticosteroids) for a long and indefinite time may develop serious side effects [ 17].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

As noted in the Materials and Methods, the frozen cell "noodles" can be made ahead of time and stored at -80° for an indefinite amount of time.

Biological Procedures Online

Aside from the severity of the conditions, placement at OSP is for an indefinite period of time, limited only by an inmate’s sentence.

Cornell University

"They should be protected for an indefinite period of time".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for an indefinite time", ensure the context clearly conveys that the duration is not only unknown but also potentially very long. Avoid using it when a more specific but still approximate timeframe is available (e.g., "for several months").

Common error

Avoid using "for an indefinite time" when the context suggests the period is relatively short. For instance, saying "The meeting is postponed for an indefinite time" might mislead if the intention is only to delay it by a day or two. In such cases, use "until further notice" or "pending rescheduling" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for an indefinite time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the duration of an action or state. It indicates that something will continue for a period that is not precisely defined or known.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for an indefinite time" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something will continue for an unspecified duration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. When using this phrase, ensure that the context appropriately conveys the uncertainty and potential length of the period. While several alternatives exist, such as "for an unspecified duration" or "without a set end date", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful not to use "for an indefinite time" when a shorter or more specific timeframe is implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for an indeterminate period

A more formal synonym, using "indeterminate" in place of "indefinite".

for an unspecified duration

Replaces "time" with "duration", emphasizing the length rather than the moment.

for an unlimited period

Substitutes "indefinite" with "unlimited", suggesting no restrictions on the duration.

for an unknown duration

Focuses on the uncertainty of the duration.

without a set end date

Highlights the absence of a defined endpoint.

for a considerable while

Uses a more informal and less precise measure of time.

for a protracted duration

Emphasizes the length of time is longer than usual or expected.

for the foreseeable future

Implies a duration that can be reasonably predicted, though not precisely defined.

for a potentially long period

Suggests that the duration could be extensive but isn't guaranteed.

for the long haul

An idiomatic expression indicating a commitment to a long-term endeavor.

FAQs

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

You can use "for an indefinite time" to describe something that will continue for an unspecified and potentially long duration. For example: "The project has been put on hold "for an indefinite time" because of budget cuts."

What are some alternatives to saying "for an indefinite time"?

Alternatives include "for an unspecified duration", "for an unlimited period", or "without a set end date", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "for an indefinite time" or "for an indeterminate time"?

Both "for an indefinite time" and "for an indeterminate time" are grammatically correct and have very similar meanings. "Indeterminate" is slightly more formal, but the choice often depends on the context and desired tone. They are generally interchangeable.

What is the difference between "for an indefinite time" and "until further notice"?

"For an indefinite time" suggests a potentially long and unspecified duration, while "until further notice" implies that the duration is unknown but there will be a specific communication when the situation changes. "Until further notice" also suggests that the status is provisional.