of uncertain duration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of uncertain duration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, event, or condition that does not have a defined or fixed length of time. Example: "The project is currently on hold, with an outcome of uncertain duration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Third, annoyances are of uncertain duration.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the current widespread holds of uncertain duration are obstructionism.

The New York Times

In the United States we are probably headed for a very grim phase of uncertain duration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many are unwilling to put up with inconveniences of uncertain duration, or they are disheartened by the disruption of community life and the departure of friends.

The New York Times

For most such companies, the major capital investment required at the beginning of a process of uncertain duration and outcome seems daunting.

The New York Times

The war rhetoric has raised expectations that a "complete victory" is not only possible, but in fact necessary (even as Bush's 2002 National Security Strategy preamble reminds us that it will be a "global enterprise of uncertain duration").

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The legal scholar John Langbein once characterised wealth management in terms of "relationships of long and uncertain duration, usually measured in lives".

The Guardian - Business

In particular, the costs per pressure ulcer period are surrounded by considerable uncertainty since these were based on a calculation of an uncertain price per day multiplied by an uncertain duration of a pressure ulcer.

BMC Health Services Research

Having already experienced displacement — emigrating from Vietnam and in some cases losing their homes after Hurricane Katrina — they now face a crisis of epic proportions with an uncertain duration.

The New York Times

In the case of uncertain life duration, "non-Ricardian" effects appear, i.e., it matters for individual welfare in which period an agent receives income.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

However, the research work on conditional HTN planning mainly concentrates on the planning domain without temporal features and pays no attention to the handling of concurrency and uncertain durations.

Knowledge-Based Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of uncertain duration" to describe situations where the end time is unknown or impossible to predict. This adds a layer of realistic uncertainty to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "of uncertain duration" when a simpler term like "indefinitely" or "for an unknown time" would suffice. Clarity is often preferred over complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of uncertain duration" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, adjective, or verb. It adds detail by specifying that the time frame or length of something is not known or predictable. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses a situation, event, or condition lacking a defined or fixed length of time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "of uncertain duration" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that the length or timeframe of something is unknown or indefinite. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal or analytical contexts like news reporting, science, and encyclopedic writing. While it is a common expression and considered appropriate, simpler alternatives may sometimes be favored for clarity. Its frequency is common, and its usage spans various authoritative sources, including The New York Times and The Guardian. The key is to use it thoughtfully to convey realistic uncertainty about timeframes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of indefinite length

Focuses on the length being unspecified, similar to duration.

of unknown length

Highlights the lack of knowledge about the length.

for an indeterminate period

Emphasizes the period being not precisely determined.

for an unspecified time

Highlights the time frame's lack of specific details.

lasting an unknown time

Focuses on the action of lasting and the unknown timeframe.

with no set end date

Emphasizes the absence of a defined end point.

without a defined limit

Highlights that there is no defined limit of time.

for the foreseeable future

Implies a potentially extended but not infinite duration.

for an undefined stretch

Focuses on the stretch of time being undefined.

continuing indefinitely

Focuses on the fact that something is indefinite.

FAQs

How can I use "of uncertain duration" in a sentence?

You can use "of uncertain duration" to describe events, periods, or situations where the ending time is not known. For example, "The project is currently on hold, "of uncertain duration"".

What are some alternatives to "of uncertain duration"?

Alternatives include "of indefinite length", "of unknown length", or "for an indeterminate period". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "of uncertain duration" or "indefinitely"?

While both convey an unknown endpoint, "of uncertain duration" is more descriptive and emphasizes the element of time. "Indefinitely" implies without limit. The choice depends on the desired level of detail and formality.

In what contexts is "of uncertain duration" most appropriate?

"Of uncertain duration" works well in formal writing, news reporting, or academic contexts where a precise timeframe cannot be established. Simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal settings.