Meaning & use
indefinite period of time
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
A length of time with no clear end or limit set in advance.
Grammar: Used after prepositions like 'for' or 'over': for an indefinite period of time.
Patterns
- for an indefinite period of time
- over an indefinite period of time
The contract can be renewed for an indefinite period of time.
She was allowed to stay in the country for an indefinite period of time while her case was reviewed.
The museum will close for an indefinite period of time while repairs are made.
Common combinations
- for an indefinite period of time
- The library will remain closed for an indefinite period of time.
- an indefinite period of time
- They agreed to wait for an indefinite period of time.
- over an indefinite period of time
- The changes took place over an indefinite period of time.
Synonyms and how they differ
- indefinitely
- An adverb meaning 'for an unlimited time'; it is more concise than the phrase.
- for a while
- Informal and suggests a shorter, less formal length of time.
Opposites
Word family
- indefinite adjective
- Not clearly stated or limited.
- indefinitely adverb
- For a period of time with no fixed end.
Commonly confused: indefinite period of time or infinite?
indefinite period of time vs infinite
Infinite means 'without any end at all'; indefinite means the end is just not specified.
Practice
The project was postponed for ______ period of time.
Choose one answer.
'An indefinite' is correct because 'period' is a singular countable noun and 'indefinite' starts with a vowel sound, so 'an' is needed. 'An indefinite' is wrong because 'a' cannot precede a vowel sound; 'indefinite' alone lacks a determiner; 'the indefinite' would suggest a specific, known period.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “indefinite period of time”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.