Not for now

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Not for now" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not currently applicable or relevant, but may be considered in the future. Example: "I appreciate your offer, but it's not for now; maybe we can revisit it later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Not for now, a year down the line".

The Guardian

Not for now, at least.

TechCrunch

Not for now, but in the future, if I was handicapped, if I couldn't use my computer anymore.

Clinical interventions in aging

But that is not for now.

The Economist

You know, that is not for now.

The Guardian

"Paris is not for now," he added.

The Guardian - Sport

"That's not for now," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"These decisions are not for now," McLeish said.

The Guardian - Sport

And we think that the stem-cell transfusions is not, for now, a good idea.

The New Yorker

Britain wants no part in further European integration, or certainly not for now.

Independent

Religion matters but does not dominate — at least, not for now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Not for now" to politely decline or postpone something without completely dismissing it. This can maintain open communication and avoid creating hard feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "Not for now" without giving a reason or indication of when the situation might change. Lack of context can make the phrase sound dismissive or vague. Instead, provide a brief explanation or timeline. For instance, instead of just saying "That's not for now", try "That's not for now, but we can revisit it next quarter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Not for now" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a temporary state or postponement. It specifies that something is not applicable or relevant at the present time, but may be considered or become relevant in the future. Ludwig confirms the wide usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Not for now" is a versatile and frequently used adverbial phrase that indicates a temporary postponement or rejection. Ludwig confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including News & Media. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's important to provide context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity or perceived dismissiveness. Consider more formal alternatives like "not at this time" in professional settings. By understanding its function and potential impact, you can effectively incorporate "Not for now" into your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not at this time

Indicates something is not currently suitable or convenient.

Not at the moment

Emphasizes the immediate present as unsuitable.

Not right now

A more informal way to indicate something is not currently possible.

Not for the time being

Suggests a temporary situation.

Postponed for now

Directly indicates that something has been delayed.

Deferred until later

Implies a decision to address something at a future point.

On hold for the present

Similar to 'postponed', but often used in formal settings.

Not in the cards at the moment

An idiomatic expression indicating something is unlikely to happen soon.

Shelved for now

Suggests that something has been put aside, possibly permanently.

Put on the back burner

Implies a lower priority status.

FAQs

What does "Not for now" mean?

The phrase "Not for now" indicates that something is not suitable, possible, or relevant at the present time, but it might be in the future.

What can I say instead of "Not for now"?

You can use alternatives like "not at this time", "not at the moment", or "not right now" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "Not for now" in a formal setting?

While "Not for now" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "not at this time" or "not for the time being" in professional or academic contexts.

How can I use "Not for now" politely?

To use "Not for now" politely, provide context or a reason for the postponement. For example, say "That's not in our budget for now, but we can consider it next year" instead of just "Not for now".