but for now

USAGE SUMMARY

"but for now" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a current situation that will be different in the future. Example: "We can't go to the store yet, but for now we need to stay home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But for now: this.

The New York Times

But for now?

The New York Times

But, for now, Illinois wins.

The New York Times

But for now, Upton belongs.

The New York Times

But, for now, she sleeps.

The New Yorker

But for now, we aren't.

The New York Times

But for now, Cameron waits.

The New Yorker

But for now, chaos reigns.

The New York Times - Health

But for now, they are hopping mad.

The Economist

"But for now it is still threats.

The New York Times

But for now, the improvement is notable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but for now", make sure the surrounding sentences provide context about the expected future change. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "but for now" without clearly indicating or implying what the future change will be. Omitting this context can leave the reader wondering about the expected outcome and make the sentence less informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but for now" functions as a transitional expression, introducing a temporary state or situation that is expected to change. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It serves to acknowledge the current reality while implying a future alteration, as seen in examples like "But for now, the looting has stopped".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but for now" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a temporary situation, with the expectation of future change. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, frequently appearing in news and media. It functions as a transitional expression to manage expectations and provide context. Alternatives include "for the time being" and "in the meantime". When using "but for now", ensure you provide context about the anticipated future change to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the time being

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the current situation.

for the moment

Similar to "for the time being" but can imply a shorter duration.

in the meantime

Highlights an activity or condition occurring during an interval.

at present

Focuses on the immediacy of the current situation.

currently

Stresses the ongoing nature of the current state.

in the interim

Suggests a temporary solution or action.

for now at least

Adds a slight emphasis on the uncertainty of the future.

temporarily

Directly indicates the transient nature of the situation.

as it stands

Highlights the current condition or arrangement.

until then

Implies a future event will change the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "but for now" in a sentence?

Use "but for now" to indicate a situation that is currently true but expected to change. For example, "We can't afford a new car, "but for now", we'll keep using the old one".

What's a good alternative to "but for now"?

Alternatives include "for the time being", "in the meantime", or "at present". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explain the future change after using "but for now"?

While not always mandatory, providing context about the expected future change after using "but for now" greatly enhances clarity. It helps avoid ambiguity and manages reader expectations effectively.

What's the difference between "but for now" and "however"?

"However" introduces a contrast or contradiction, while "but for now" indicates a temporary situation. You might say, "The project is delayed; "however", we expect to finish it next month." "But for now" would be used when the delay is acceptable short term.