since an unspecified time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "since an unspecified time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been happening or existing for a duration that is not clearly defined. Example: "I have been working on this project since an unspecified time, and I believe it is finally coming together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The buyback will take place over an unspecified time.

The New York Times

It is a Civil War between Nameless Factions at an Unspecified Time in a Nameless Place.

The New York Times

Tomb Raider, due out at an unspecified time next year, is notably unlike its predecessors.

The Guardian - Tech

The company also continued to provide CCTV security at Glynn's home for an unspecified time.

The Guardian - Business

Pip (Philip Pirrip) narrates the tale from an unspecified time in the future.

Britannica

The carrot was managed use of the forest – including logging – for an unspecified time.

The Guardian

The repurchases, which will take place over an unspecified time, represent about 4.7percentt of Edison International's outstanding stock.

The New York Times

Set in an unspecified time in the future, America has collapsed into a dictatorship divided in 12 districts.

The Guardian - Film

The buyback, which will take place over an unspecified time, represents about 6percentt of Allegheny's 82 million shares outstanding.

The New York Times

The buyback, which will take place over an unspecified time, represents about 5percentt of the company's stock outstanding.

The New York Times

Viacom said it would repurchase one or more classes of equity securities over an unspecified time, beginning immediately.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "since an unspecified time", ensure the context clearly implies that the exact duration is not known or relevant. This avoids confusion and maintains clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on phrases like "since an unspecified time" without providing any context or indication of the general timeframe. Vague references can weaken your argument or narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "since an unspecified time" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the duration or starting point of an action or state. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "since an unspecified time" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate an action or state that has been ongoing from a point in the past without specifying exactly when that point began. Ludwig confirms this usage. While the phrase is acceptable in various contexts, it is most prevalent in News & Media, Academia and Science. Alternatives such as "for an indefinite period" or "since an undetermined moment" can be used to convey a similar meaning. When writing, it's important to ensure that the lack of specific temporal information is intentional and doesn't detract from the clarity of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for an indefinite period

Replaces "unspecified time" with "indefinite period", emphasizing the lack of a set duration.

since an undetermined moment

Substitutes "unspecified time" with "undetermined moment", highlighting the ambiguity of the starting point.

from an unstated duration

Replaces "since" with "from" and "unspecified time" with "unstated duration", altering the sentence structure while preserving the meaning.

for a period of unknown length

Rephrases the concept to focus on the "unknown length" of the period, making the lack of specification explicit.

since a point not clearly defined

Highlights the lack of clear definition regarding the starting point, using more descriptive language.

from an epoch not specified

Uses more formal language, replacing "time" with "epoch" and "unspecified" with "not specified".

for an indeterminate span

Replaces "unspecified time" with "indeterminate span", indicating a lack of clear boundaries.

since a vague beginning

Focuses on the "vague beginning" of the period, emphasizing the lack of precision.

from a duration not quantified

Highlights that the duration is "not quantified", making the lack of a specific measurement clear.

for an undefined stretch

Replaces "unspecified time" with "undefined stretch", indicating a period without clear limits.

FAQs

How can I use "since an unspecified time" in a sentence?

You can use "since an unspecified time" to indicate that an action or state has been ongoing from a point in the past without specifying exactly when it started. For instance, "The project has been under review "since an unspecified time"."

What are some alternatives to "since an unspecified time"?

Alternatives include "for an indefinite period", "since an undetermined moment", or "for a period of unknown length". Each of these options conveys the idea that the duration is not precisely known or specified.

Which is correct, "since an unspecified time" or "for an unspecified time"?

Both phrases can be grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Since an unspecified time" implies a starting point in the past, while "for an unspecified time" indicates a duration. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "since an unspecified time" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "since an unspecified time" can sound somewhat vague. In formal writing, consider providing a more specific timeframe if possible. If the exact time is genuinely unknown, use the phrase sparingly and ensure it doesn't detract from the clarity of your message.