for now.

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for now." is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a temporary situation or state that may change in the future. Example: "I will stay in this position for now, but I am considering other opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For now.

The New York Times - Sports

For now, it's yours.

The New York Times - Travel

Irrelevant for now.

The Economist

But that's for now.

Independent

For now, quiet down.

The New Yorker

For now, they say.

The New York Times

But for now: this.

The New York Times

They won — for now.

The New York Times

Commander X for now.

The New Yorker

Nothing, for now.

The New York Times

For now, nobody knows.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for now", consider adding a clarifying phrase about the potential future state. For instance, "This is the plan for now, but we will re-evaluate next month" provides context and manages expectations.

Common error

Avoid treating situations described with "for now" as permanent. Always be prepared for changes and communicate that expectation to others to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for now" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a temporary state or condition. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests that the situation is not permanent and might change in the future. Examples show it being used to qualify statements, decisions, and situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for now" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate a temporary state or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in news and media. It serves to express a temporary arrangement and manage expectations about future changes. While its register is neutral, it's important not to assume permanence when using this phrase. Consider specifying potential future changes for clarity. Alternatives include "at present" and "for the time being", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the time being

Indicates a temporary situation, similar to "for now", but emphasizes the duration.

for the moment

Emphasizes the present time, closely mirroring the meaning of "for now".

at present

Focuses on the current moment, synonymous with "for now" in immediacy.

currently

Highlights the existing state, resembling "for now" in its temporal reference.

temporarily

Directly states the non-permanent nature, synonymous with "for now" in indicating a limited duration.

in the interim

Suggests a temporary measure or situation, similar to "for now" but emphasizes the intervening period.

in the meantime

Highlights the period between now and a future event, akin to "for now" in its temporary implication.

as it stands

Indicates the current condition or situation, sharing the temporary aspect with "for now".

provisionally

Implies a temporary or conditional arrangement, similar to "for now" in its lack of permanence.

until further notice

Specifies that the current state will continue until a change is announced, similar to "for now" but with a focus on future change.

FAQs

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

You can use "for now" to indicate a temporary state or decision. For example, "I'm living here "for now", but I plan to move next year."

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

Alternatives include "at present", "for the time being", or "currently", depending on the context.

What does "for now" imply about the future?

"For now" suggests that the current situation is temporary and subject to change. It indicates that the decision or state is not final.

Is it formal or informal to use "for now"?

"For now" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "at present" might be preferred in certain professional settings.