Not at this time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Not at this time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not possible or available currently, but may be in the future. Example: "I appreciate your offer, but I must decline it not at this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not at this time.

The New Yorker

Not at this time of year".

The New York Times

"Not at this time," he said twice.

The New York Times

Not at this time, but we are working on gathering these metrics.

Duke University

"Not at this time," Llanos said.

Los Angeles Times

Not at this time, at least.

Huffington Post

"Not at this time of year". In his public manifestation, Claus still cuts an old-fashioned figure in crimson suit and black patent leather boots.

Los Angeles Times

"The timing of the development was not, at this time, meeting our needs," he said.

The New York Times

McNally: Not at this time.

The New York Times

Just not at this time".

The New York Times - Sports

"Um, not at this time," the nurse replied.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Not at this time" to politely decline an offer or suggest postponement without completely ruling out future possibilities. It conveys a sense of temporary unavailability or lack of readiness.

Common error

While "Not at this time" is acceptable, using it excessively can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with alternatives like "Not presently" or "Perhaps later" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Not at this time" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause, expressing temporal negation. It indicates that an action or event is not occurring or possible at the current moment. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in declining requests, postponing decisions, or expressing current unavailability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Not at this time" is a versatile phrase used to politely decline or postpone an action or offer, leaving the door open for future possibilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, predominantly in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. While "Not at this time" is generally acceptable, varying your language with alternatives such as "not presently" or "perhaps another time" can enrich your writing. Always consider the context and formality level to ensure the most appropriate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not at the moment

Similar to "Not at this time", focusing on the present situation.

Not presently

Indicates the action is not occurring now, but doesn't exclude future possibility; it's slightly more formal.

Not for now

Suggests a temporary pause or rejection, highlighting the current moment.

Not in the immediate future

Emphasizes that the action is not planned for the near term.

Maybe later

Implies a possibility of future occurrence, but with no commitment.

Perhaps another time

A polite way of declining for now, suggesting a different occasion.

Currently unavailable

More suitable when referring to services or items, suggesting they cannot be accessed now.

Not on this occasion

A formal way to refuse an offer or request, specific to the current situation.

We're not ready yet

Indicates lack of preparedness or suitability for an action at this stage.

It's not a priority right now

States the action is not important enough to pursue at the current time.

FAQs

What does "Not at this time" mean?

The phrase "Not at this time" indicates that something is not possible or appropriate now, but it leaves open the possibility of it happening in the future. It is a polite way of declining or postponing something.

How can I use "Not at this time" in a sentence?

You can use "Not at this time" to politely decline a request or offer. For example, "Do you want to start the project now?" Answer: "Not at this time, but let's discuss it next week."

What can I say instead of "Not at this time"?

You can use alternatives like "not presently", "not at the moment", or "perhaps another time" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the context.

Is "Not at this time" formal or informal?

"Not at this time" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for both professional and casual conversations, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "not presently".