but for the time being

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but for the time being" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a temporary situation or condition that may change in the future. Example: "We will continue with the current plan, but for the time being, we need to monitor the situation closely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But for the time being he is.

The Guardian

"But for the time being it is.

The Guardian

"But for the time being, it's lovely".

The New York Times

But "for the time being, that's not clear," he acknowledged.

The New York Times - Science

But, for the time being, they must stay in storage.

The New Yorker

But for the time being compromise is in the air.

The Economist

But for the time being, it undoubtedly works.

The Guardian

But for the time being central banks are winging it.

The Guardian - Business

But for the time being, Mr. Gore is having fun.

The New York Times

But for the time being, this is more important".

The New York Times

But for the time being, his ego is on hold.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but for the time being" to clearly indicate that a situation is not permanent and might change in the future. This helps manage expectations and avoids misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "but for the time being" when referring to long-term or permanent situations. It's best reserved for scenarios where a change is anticipated or likely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but for the time being" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects two clauses while indicating that the situation described in the second clause is temporary, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

18%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but for the time being" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the temporary nature of a situation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, use "but for the time being" to manage expectations about future changes and avoid misunderstandings. Consider alternatives like "for now" or "in the meantime" for conciseness or a slightly different emphasis. Avoid using it for permanent situations, and be mindful of sentence flow. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "but for the time being" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the moment

Focuses on the immediate present with a slightly more concise expression.

for now

Similar to "for the moment" but even shorter and more direct, implying a temporary situation.

in the meantime

Highlights the intervening period before a change occurs.

temporarily

Emphasizes the transient nature of the condition without the conjunction "but".

provisionally

Suggests the arrangement is subject to future adjustments or confirmation.

for the interim

Highlights the temporary nature of a role or situation until a permanent solution is found.

as things stand

Describes the current situation without explicitly mentioning its temporary nature.

as it stands

Similar to "as things stand", emphasizes the current state of affairs.

under the current circumstances

Focuses on the influence of present conditions on a decision or action.

things being what they are

Acknowledges existing conditions as a constraint or reason for a temporary measure.

FAQs

How can I use "but for the time being" in a sentence?

The phrase "but for the time being" is used to indicate that a situation is temporary. For example, "The repairs are not yet complete, but "but for the time being", the bridge is safe to use".

What's a shorter way to say "but for the time being"?

Alternatives such as "for now" or "for the moment" offer more concise ways to express the same idea of a temporary situation.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "but for the time being"?

While grammatically acceptable, starting a sentence with "but for the time being" can sometimes sound awkward. Consider rephrasing to improve flow or using a different introductory phrase.

What's the difference between "but for the time being" and "in the meantime"?

"But for the time being" emphasizes the temporary nature of a current state, whereas "in the meantime" focuses on what can be done during an intervening period before a future event or change.