stretch out indefinitely

USAGE SUMMARY

"stretch out indefinitely" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that continues without a defined end or limit. Example: "The meeting could stretch out indefinitely if we don't set a time limit." Alternative expressions include "extend endlessly" and "last without end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This suggests that, for these practices, NIH did not gather so much data on the nature and extent of fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism among scientists that data-collection would stretch out indefinitely before rules could be promulgated.

Forbes

All the clippings suggest that Campbell is not the easiest of interviewees: that she can stonewall with the best of them, answering questions she doesn't like with a flat No and allowing silences to stretch out indefinitely.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Seeing the horizon stretching out indefinitely can discourage students who are already feeling overwhelmed.

The New York Times

By infinitely small, I mean the continuum: the idea that even a litre of space contains an infinite number of points, that space can be stretched out indefinitely without anything bad happening, and that there are quantities in nature that can vary continuously.

The Guardian

At the time Congress passed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) creating Obamacare, the Medicare trustees estimated the unfunded liability in the program at $89 trillion – stretching out indefinitely into the future.

Forbes

It is not outlandish to see a refusal to budge on decommissioning as a refusal to make that commitment.So should one be expedient, and indulge the republicans in their refusal to make any gesture that smacks to them of surrender and thereby stretch out this peace, maybe indefinitely?

The Economist

"They'll stretch out.

The New York Times

They stretch out.

The New York Times

Stretch out your hamstring.

WikiHow

Stretch out your fingers.

WikiHow

Stretch out your problems.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stretch out indefinitely" when describing abstract concepts like time, negotiations, or projects where a clear end is not yet in sight.

Common error

Avoid using "stretch out indefinitely" in contexts where a literal, physical stretching is implied, as this can lead to confusion. For example, saying "the rubber band stretched out indefinitely" might suggest the band is infinitely elastic, which is physically impossible. Choose a more appropriate expression in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stretch out indefinitely" functions as a verb phrase modified by an adverb, indicating the manner and extent of the stretching. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a process that lacks a defined endpoint. Examples show its use in describing negotiations and scientific data collection.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stretch out indefinitely" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe something that continues without a defined endpoint. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Though relatively rare, its usage spans across news, general writing, and encyclopedias, with a neutral register. Related phrases include "extend without limit" and "continue endlessly". When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear to avoid confusion with physical stretching. While not exceptionally frequent, "stretch out indefinitely" serves as a useful way to convey a lack of a foreseeable end.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stretch on endlessly

This alternative is nearly identical, replacing "out" with "on".

extend without limit

This alternative focuses on the lack of boundaries in the extension, rather than the duration.

continue endlessly

This option emphasizes the ceaseless continuation of something.

go on forever

This phrase is more informal, suggesting a very long duration.

last indefinitely

This focuses specifically on the duration of something, highlighting its unlimited nature.

drag on interminably

This suggests a tedious and seemingly endless continuation.

elongate perpetually

This alternative emphasizes the process of lengthening over a continuous period.

persist without end

This highlights the unwavering continuation of something.

linger without resolution

This suggests something remains unresolved and continues without a clear endpoint.

perpetuate ceaselessly

This emphasizes the ongoing and uninterrupted nature of the continuation.

FAQs

How can I use "stretch out indefinitely" in a sentence?

You can use "stretch out indefinitely" to describe something that continues without a defined end. For example, "The negotiations could "stretch out indefinitely" if both parties remain unwilling to compromise."

What are some alternatives to "stretch out indefinitely"?

Alternatives include phrases like "extend without limit", "continue endlessly", or "go on forever", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "stretch out indefinitely" formal or informal?

"Stretch out indefinitely" is suitable for both neutral and slightly formal contexts. It is generally understandable and not overly colloquial.

What does it mean when something is said to "stretch out indefinitely"?

When something is said to ""stretch out indefinitely"", it means its duration or extent is not defined and could potentially continue for a very long or unlimited time.