for an indeterminate time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for an indeterminate time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a duration that is not fixed or defined, often in contexts involving uncertainty or flexibility in timeframes. Example: "The project will be on hold for an indeterminate time while we await further funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

When first introduced total hip replacement offered pain relief and improved mobility in elderly patients for an indeterminate time period.

Tribology and Interface Engineering Series

Mammalian eggs remain arrested at metaphase of the second meiotic division (metII) for an indeterminate time before fertilization.

Developmental Biology

He called Mexicans "rapists", promised to build a wall between the US and Mexico and ban Muslims from the US for an indeterminate time.

The Guardian

For an indeterminate time, the chorus sang the names, accompanied only by the mewling of my electronic drones in the background.

The New Yorker

Mitz had been sitting at the edge of the pool for an indeterminate time, fruitlessly watching the water for Georgette's shape.

The New Yorker

Petraeus showed members of Congress a slide -- the last of 13 he presented -- that projected U.S. forces staying in Iraq for an indeterminate time.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Nine witches from an indeterminate time in history.

Vice

"Before Deliveroo launched, the options for eating at home were to cook for yourself or ring up for a Chinese or pizza, wait an indeterminate time and have to swallow any incorrect orders," he says.

The Guardian

Noble Conflict is set in an indeterminate time.

The Guardian - Books

This, coupled with a shifting of the period to an indeterminate time, created some opening confusion.

Huffington Post

First of all, from a time perspective, case B is temporary situation, with families living together for a short or indeterminate time, while case A is relatively stable and lasting situation.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for an indeterminate time" when you want to convey uncertainty about a duration without specifying a concrete end point. This is especially useful when the actual duration is unknown or depends on future events.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "for an indeterminate time" in formal or business writing can appear vague. Consider providing a range or a potential review date to increase clarity and demonstrate proactive planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for an indeterminate time" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying a verb or clause to specify the duration of an action or state. Ludwig examples demonstrate it expressing uncertainty about the duration of events or situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for an indeterminate time" serves as an adverbial phrase indicating that something will occur for an unspecified duration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights examples from diverse sources, including news, scientific, and academic contexts. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, especially in formal writing, opting for greater precision when possible. Alternatives such as "for an indefinite period" or "for an unspecified duration" can provide similar meaning. Understanding the nuances of this phrase can help writers convey uncertainty about time effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for an indefinite period

Replaces "indeterminate" with "indefinite", emphasizing the lack of a set limit. The meaning remains very close.

for an unspecified duration

Substitutes "indeterminate time" with "unspecified duration", highlighting the absence of a defined timeframe.

for an unknown length of time

Replaces "indeterminate" with "unknown", focusing on the lack of knowledge regarding the duration.

for a certain period

This is shorter and less formal that can be used instead of the original sentence.

for the foreseeable future

Implies that the situation will continue for as long as can be reasonably predicted, which is not precisely defined.

for the time being

Indicates a temporary situation, without specifying how long it will last.

until further notice

Signifies that the situation will continue until an official announcement changes it.

for a while

This is a general expression to express "for some time" without saying how long.

for an unquantifiable period

Focuses on the inability to measure or define the duration, similar to "indeterminate".

for a hazy timeframe

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and precision regarding the duration.

FAQs

What does "for an indeterminate time" mean?

The phrase "for an indeterminate time" means for an unspecified or undefined period. It implies that the duration is not fixed or known.

When is it appropriate to use "for an indeterminate time"?

It's appropriate to use "for an indeterminate time" when the exact duration is unknown, uncertain, or dependent on future events. It's often used when a specific timeframe cannot be predicted or committed to.

What can I say instead of "for an indeterminate time"?

You can use alternatives like "for an indefinite period", "for an unspecified duration", or "for an unknown length of time" depending on the context.

Is "for an indeterminate time" formal or informal?

"For an indeterminate time" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While usable in most contexts, consider alternatives in highly formal writing if greater precision is possible.