indefinite number
B2formal, academic, technical
Definition
Meaning
A quantity that is not specified, fixed, or known precisely.
An unspecified or indeterminate quantity; a number that is not defined within a specific limit or range, which can imply a large, unknown, or vague amount.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrase often implies vagueness or an unknown limit. It can be used to avoid precise quantification and is common in legal, mathematical, and general descriptive contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling of 'number' remains the same.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Slightly more formal in American English in everyday speech.
Frequency
Equally common in formal writing in both varieties. Slightly less frequent in casual British conversation, where phrases like 'a few' or 'several' might be preferred.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + an indefinite number of + [plural noun] (e.g., 'accept an indefinite number of arguments')[preposition] + indefinite number (e.g., 'for an indefinite number')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a number of (less specific)”
- “any number of (emphasizing potential multitude)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in contracts or reports to describe quantities that cannot be predetermined, e.g., 'The licence grants an indefinite number of installations.'
Academic
Common in mathematics, logic, and linguistics to describe sets, arguments, or repetitions without a fixed limit.
Everyday
Used to express an unknown or large quantity when precision is unnecessary, e.g., 'I've told you an indefinite number of times.'
Technical
In computing, describes a function that can accept an indefinite number of parameters.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There are an indefinite number of stars in the sky.
- We need an indefinite number of chairs for the party.
- The software allows an indefinite number of users to join the meeting.
- He made an indefinite number of attempts to pass the test.
- The contract permits the licensee to make an indefinite number of copies for internal use.
- Theoretical models can be iterated an indefinite number of times.
- The algorithm's recursion could, in principle, continue for an indefinite number of cycles until a base case is met.
- Her thesis explored the implications of a grammar generating an indefinite number of novel sentences.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Link 'indefinite' to 'infinite' but remember it's not endless, just 'not definite' or unspecified.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY AS A CLOUD (vague, unbounded, without clear edges).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'неопределённый номер' which means 'indefinite numeral' in grammar or an unspecified serial number. Use 'неопределённое количество' for the quantity sense.
- Do not confuse with 'бесконечное число' (infinite number). 'Indefinite' implies unknown limits, not necessarily endlessness.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'infinite number' interchangeably (an infinite number is limitless, an indefinite number is just unspecified).
- Using plural verb incorrectly after 'an indefinite number of' – the verb agrees with 'number' (singular) e.g., 'An indefinite number of people IS expected' (formal) though often plural by notional agreement in informal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'indefinite number' most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Infinite' means without end or limit. 'Indefinite' means not clearly defined, stated, or known; it could be large but finite.
Formally, the singular verb ('is', 'has') is used because the subject is the singular 'number'. However, in informal usage, plural verbs ('are', 'have') are common due to the influence of the following plural noun (notional agreement).
Typically, no. It implies some unspecified, usually non-zero, quantity. To include zero, you would use phrases like 'any number (including zero)' or 'zero or more'.
'Unspecified number' or 'undetermined number' are common formal synonyms.