for indefinite time

USAGE SUMMARY

"for indefinite time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is happening, or has happened, for an unspecified or unknown amount of time. For example, "They have been living in the city for indefinite time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The signal codes covering the 0-5 Hz or broader or higher frequency bands are continuously repeated for indefinite time.

Handbook of Geophysical Exploration: Seismic Exploration

But they are now used to store high-value items such as paintings, precious stones, gold and antiquities for indefinite time periods.

BBC

People living in countries that soon might disappear from the world map are frightened that then they will be exposed to inhumane treatment like today asylum seeker in Australian detention centres in Papua New Guinea and Nauru: locked away for indefinite time, with few rights and even less opportunities to decide over their lives.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

ICE approved 65 waivers allowing facilities to ignore contract requirements — most for indefinite time periods ― between September 2016 and July 2018.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Then, in the fall, their brother-in-law Mr. Engquist heard that a childhood friend who was moving to Europe for work for an indefinite time wanted to sublet his two-bedroom condo to someone trustworthy.

The New York Times

Knowing that provision, no senator or representative voting in 2001 for the resolution would have understood its general terms to allow for an indefinite time unsupervised surveillance that even a formal declaration of war would not permit.

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for indefinite time", ensure the context clearly conveys the uncertainty of the duration. This phrase works well when the exact end point is unknown or intentionally left vague.

Common error

Avoid using "for indefinite time" when a more specific timeframe is actually known or implied. Using it in such cases can create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for indefinite time" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the duration of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for indefinite time" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate an uncertain or unspecified duration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears in both news and scientific contexts. To ensure clarity, it is crucial to use this phrase when the exact end point is genuinely unknown. For situations requiring greater formality, consider alternatives like "for an indeterminate period."

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for an unlimited duration

Emphasizes the lack of a set end point, focusing on the absence of limits.

for an unspecified period

Highlights the unknown nature of the time frame.

for an indeterminate length of time

Stresses the ambiguity and lack of clarity regarding the duration.

for the foreseeable future

Suggests a continuation as far as can be reasonably predicted.

for an open-ended term

Implies a flexible and potentially long-lasting arrangement.

without a fixed deadline

Highlights the absence of a specific end date.

for the long haul

Indicates a commitment to a prolonged effort or situation.

for a considerable stretch

Emphasizes the perceived length of the duration.

for the time being

Suggests a temporary but undefined duration.

for an extended period

Indicates a duration longer than what is typical or expected.

FAQs

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

Use "for indefinite time" to indicate that something will continue for an unspecified or unknown duration. For example, "The project has been postponed "for indefinite time" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What phrases are similar to "for indefinite time"?

Alternatives include "for an unlimited duration", "for an unspecified period", or "for the foreseeable future". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "for indefinite time" formal or informal?

"For indefinite time" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal options like "for an indeterminate length of time" may be preferred in highly formal writing.

Can "for indefinite time" be used interchangeably with "forever"?

While both suggest a long duration, "forever" implies an endless or permanent state. "For indefinite time" suggests a duration that is long but not necessarily without end. Use "forever" when permanence is intended.