undefined time

USAGE SUMMARY

"undefined time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an unspecified period of time in the future. For example, "We don't know when the project will be completed, but we expect it to happen at some undefined time in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

An Akzo Nobel spokesman, John de Munnik, said that the company would continue to receive royalty payments from Johnson & Johnson for an undefined time because it had helped Johnson & Johnson create the market for Risperdal in Europe, Argentina and Brazil.

The New York Times

Summoning pictures of the sandwiches on the computer screen discloses an array of mouthwatering sandwiches that cannot fail but appeal not only to the hungry but to the viewer who anticipates being hungry at some undefined time in the future.

Huffington Post

A further nine studies reported perioperative mortality within an undefined time period (1.3 4.6%, median 3.6%), and two studies reported 60-day mortality (3.4 5.5%).

British Journal of Cancer

Mortality either at 14 days [ 23], at 28 days [ 24, 26], or at an undefined time interval [ 25] was reported in the included trials.

Critical Care

However, as the questions about exposure referred to either the previous week or to an undefined time period previous to the measurement, it is possible to interpret the results as indications of temporal effect.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Although G. lamblia trophozoites, cultured in modified PEHPS medium, provide lower yields than the ones obtained in TYI-S-33, the yields in modified PEHPS are sufficient to maintain G. lamblia strains in a stable and reliable culture for an undefined time.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

▪ Of the primary care doctor: age, sex, training (whether she/he gained their Family Physician certificate after a nationally accredited 3-4 yearesidencycy program), work situation (fixed employment/other undefined issues), time working in primary care (years), time in current position (years), specialty.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Mr. Kimbrell notes that the E.P.A. has an undefined "reasonable time" to respond to the petition.

The New York Times

Set in an "undefined future time," Mr. Eggers's novel tells the story of Mae Holland, a young idealist who comes to work at the Circle, an immensely powerful technology company that has conquered all its competitors by creating a single log-in for people to search, shop and socialize online.

The New York Times

The marking of places start and fetching consists of one token each, both with value (colour) undefined and time stamp 0, meaning that there is one instruction being fetched and the other is waiting to be fetched.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

The studio, maybe deliberately, left a few characters undefined first time around.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "undefined time" when the precise duration is irrelevant or impossible to determine. It adds a degree of generality, focusing on the event rather than its timing.

Common error

Avoid using "undefined time" when a more precise estimate is possible. Provide a range or approximation instead to improve clarity and informativeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undefined time" primarily functions as a noun phrase adjunct, modifying another noun related to duration or occurrence. Based on Ludwig AI, this phrase indicates a period or moment when the exact temporal boundaries are not known or specified.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undefined time" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a period where the exact duration is not specified or known. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, although it's most prevalent in scientific and news-related domains. While alternatives like "unspecified duration" or "indefinite period" exist, "undefined time" offers a directness suitable for diverse communication needs. When writing, ensure its use aligns with the intended level of specificity, opting for greater detail when available to prevent ambiguity. Its register is generally neutral, and common errors involve overuse in place of measurable or quantifiable timeframes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unspecified duration

Replaces "time" with "duration" to emphasize the length aspect, maintaining the lack of specific detail.

indefinite period

Substitutes both words for near synonyms, conveying a similar sense of an uncertain time frame.

unspecified time frame

Replaces duration with a similar word, time frame

unquantifiable period

Emphasizes the inability to measure or define the timeframe, adding a layer of impossibility.

unpredictable timeframe

It suggests that the duration cannot be predicted in advance.

unknown duration

Directly states that the length of time is not known.

unspecified date

Shifts the focus to a single point in time rather than a duration, but still undefined.

uncertain future

Broadens the scope to encompass all aspects of the future, not just time.

some future point

Replaces all components of the original phrase. It references an event in the future.

at some point

Simplifies the expression to a general statement about time, losing the emphasis on the undefined nature.

FAQs

What does "undefined time" mean?

The phrase "undefined time" refers to a period or point in time that is not specifically known, determined, or quantifiable. It indicates uncertainty or lack of precise information about when something will happen or last.

How can I use "undefined time" in a sentence?

You can use "undefined time" to indicate that the duration of something is not known or specified. For example, "The company will continue to receive royalty payments for an undefined time." It's often interchangeable with similar phrases like "indefinite period".

What are some alternatives to "undefined time"?

Some alternatives to "undefined time" include "unspecified duration", "indefinite period", "unpredictable timeframe", or simply "at some point". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "undefined time" or "indefinite time"?

Both "undefined time" and "indefinite time" are grammatically correct and semantically similar. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. "Undefined time" might slightly emphasize the lack of definition, while "indefinite time" highlights the lack of a fixed limit.