go on indefinitely

USAGE SUMMARY

"go on indefinitely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that goes on without end, usually something negative or unpleasant. For example: "The rain seemed to go on indefinitely, leaving us more and more soaked as we huddled under our umbrellas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Maintenance will go on indefinitely.

The New York Times

This cannot go on indefinitely.

The Economist

It cannot go on indefinitely.

The New York Times

Some programs go on indefinitely.

Princeton University

Negotiations "cannot go on indefinitely", he warned.

Independent

That can't go on indefinitely.

The New Yorker

==stopping chuck== Some programs go on indefinitely.

Princeton University

But this can't go on indefinitely.

The New York Times - Magazine

Can the occupation go on indefinitely?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In theory, a stalemate could go on indefinitely.

The Economist

By current projections the "transition" will go on indefinitely.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "go on indefinitely", ensure the context clearly indicates the lack of a defined end. This phrase is particularly effective in highlighting concerns about unsustainable practices or situations.

Common error

Avoid using "go on indefinitely" when a situation has a foreseeable end, even if that end is far in the future. This phrase implies a state without any clear termination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go on indefinitely" primarily functions as a verbal phrase, acting as a predicate in a sentence to describe the continuous nature of an action or state. As Ludwig AI indicates, it emphasizes that something proceeds without a defined end. Examples show its use in describing situations like maintenance schedules or political stalemates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go on indefinitely" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe situations that continue without a foreseeable end. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, academic writing, and formal business contexts, the phrase conveys a sense of concern, uncertainty, or disapproval regarding the prolonged nature of the described situation. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the context accurately reflects the absence of a defined termination, avoiding its application to situations with a clear, albeit distant, endpoint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue endlessly

Emphasizes the lack of a defined endpoint or cessation.

persist without limit

Highlights the continuous existence or occurrence without restrictions.

carry on perpetually

Implies an ongoing state that seems never to cease.

extend without end

Focuses on the expansion or duration without a termination point.

last forever

A more colloquial expression indicating an unlimited duration.

never cease

Indicates that something does not stop or come to an end.

remain ongoing

Highlights the uninterrupted nature of a situation or activity.

roll on ceaselessly

Evokes a sense of relentless and continuous movement or progression.

be sustained infinitely

Focuses on the ongoing support and maintenance without a defined conclusion.

keep going eternally

Suggests an unending progression or state of being.

FAQs

How can I use "go on indefinitely" in a sentence?

Use "go on indefinitely" to describe something that continues without a foreseeable end. For example, "The cleanup is expected to take 8 to 10 years. Maintenance will "go on indefinitely"".

What are some alternatives to "go on indefinitely"?

You can use phrases such as "continue endlessly", "persist without limit", or "last forever" as alternatives to "go on indefinitely", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "go on indefinitely"?

Yes, "go on indefinitely" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe something that continues without a specified end.

What's the difference between "go on indefinitely" and "go on forever"?

"Go on indefinitely" suggests a lack of a defined endpoint, while "go on forever" implies an eternal duration. The former is often used in contexts where the continuation is undesirable or unsustainable.