indefinite period

USAGE SUMMARY

"indefinite period" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a length of time that is uncertain. For example, "The policy is in effect for an indefinite period of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

"And things may stay bad for an indefinite period".

The New York Times

Then Mullah Naqib will become Kandahar province's caretaker governor for an indefinite period.

The New York Times

In August, he pledged to keep Americans in Afghanistan for an indefinite period of time.

The New Yorker

North Korea would live under an authoritarian government for an indefinite period.

The New York Times

This is what they provided: "The Rafah crossing is closed for an indefinite period..

The Guardian - Opinion

"I said to Simon it was for an indefinite period," Rodgers said.

The Guardian - Sport

The building was given rent-free for an indefinite period for use by the Italian consulate.

The New York Times

He will remain on the sex offender register for "an indefinite period".

The Guardian

People cannot budget for an indefinite period with no income and should not be made to.

The Guardian

The spokesman, Muslim Khan, told reporters that the cease-fire would be for an "indefinite period".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "indefinite period" with verbs that suggest continuation or suspension, for instance, "remain," "persist," or "postpone," to emphasize the ongoing or unresolved nature of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "indefinite period" when you actually mean a future state with no connection to a current or past duration. "Indefinite period" refers to a duration whose end is uncertain, not a general concept of the future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indefinite period" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a duration or length of time that is not specifically defined or known. Ludwig indicates that the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indefinite period" is a noun phrase used to describe a duration with an uncertain end. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, indicating a neutral register. When using "indefinite period", ensure the context accurately reflects the uncertain duration. Alternative phrases like "unspecified duration" or "undetermined timeframe" can be used to convey a similar meaning. Be mindful of avoiding confusion with a general, undefined future.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unspecified duration

Focuses on the lack of a defined length of time, emphasizing the unspecified nature.

undetermined time frame

Highlights the uncertainty regarding the boundaries of the time involved.

unfixed term

Emphasizes the absence of a set duration or limit.

unlimited time

Indicates a duration without any imposed constraints or limitations.

protracted duration

Implies a long, drawn-out length of time, though still undefined.

extended timeframe

Suggests a considerable length of time without specifying the exact limits.

open-ended timeline

Conveys that the end point is not predetermined or established.

lengthy timespan

Focuses on the prolonged nature of the time interval in question.

long-term horizon

Highlights the focus on a future that is distant and lacks a definite end.

ongoing interval

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the period, with no set conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "indefinite period" in a sentence?

You can use "indefinite period" to describe something that will continue for an unknown amount of time. For example, "The museum is closed for an "indefinite period" due to renovations."

What's the difference between ""indefinite period"" and "unspecified time"?

Both phrases mean that the length of time is not known, but ""indefinite period"" often implies a continuation of something already in progress, whereas "unspecified time" can refer to a future or general duration.

Which is correct, "for an indefinite period" or "for a indefinite period"?

"For an indefinite period" is correct. The word "indefinite" starts with a vowel sound, so it requires the article "an" instead of "a."

What can I say instead of ""indefinite period""?

You can use alternatives such as "unspecified timeframe", "undetermined duration", or "open-ended timeline", depending on the context.