Cool MateEternal vs It could be infinite
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Eternal
FormalTop 3,000 (common)C1adjective
It could be infinite
Top 3,000 (common)
Most formal: Eternal
| Eternal | It could be infinite | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈtɜːnl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈtɜːrnl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ɪt kʊd biː ɪnˈfɪnɪt//🇺🇸 //ɪt kʊd biː ˈɪnfɪnɪt// |
| Meaning | Lasting forever, never ending. | It might not have an end or limit. |
| Example | Many religions speak of an eternal life after death. | In theory, the universe could be infinite. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | eternal love, eternal life, eternal flame, eternal damnation, eternal bliss | could be infinite, possibilities could be infinite, potential could be infinite |
| Antonyms | temporary, brief, finite | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'external', meaning outside., Using 'eternal' to describe short-lived events., Overusing in casual contexts. | Confused with 'infinity' as a noun vs 'infinite' as an adjective., Using 'could' when certainty is needed., Misplaced 'be' in the sentence structure. |
| Usage notes | Use 'eternal' in serious or literary contexts. It's appropriate for discussing concepts like love, life, or time but not typically used in casual conversation or everyday situations. | Use in contexts discussing possibilities or abstract concepts. Appropriate in casual or formal discussions about limits or possibilities. |
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Frequently asked questions: Eternal vs It could be infinite
What's the difference between Eternal and It could be infinite?
Eternal: Lasting forever, never ending. It could be infinite: It might not have an end or limit.
Which is more formal: Eternal and It could be infinite?
Eternal is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Eternal: Many religions speak of an eternal life after death. It could be infinite: In theory, the universe could be infinite.
Can I use Eternal and It could be infinite interchangeably?
Not always. Eternal and It could be infinite are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.