for the foreseeable

USAGE SUMMARY

"for the foreseeable" is a correct and commonly used expression in written English.
It is used to refer to something that will happen or continue to happen in the near future. For example, "We will continue to work from home for the foreseeable future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And contention for the foreseeable future.

The New York Times

At least, for the foreseeable future.

The New York Times

That, for the foreseeable future, has changed.

The Guardian - Sport

For the foreseeable future, that looks impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

It'll make you talkative for the foreseeable.

The Guardian - Sport

For the foreseeable future they will remain downtown.

The New York Times - Arts

That is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

The Economist

The prognosis for the foreseeable future is discouraging.

The Economist

He ultimately decided to attend none for the foreseeable future.

The New York Times

And he remains the leadoff hitter for the foreseeable future.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Putin will remain in power for the foreseeable future.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the foreseeable future" to indicate a period where current conditions are expected to persist, providing a sense of stability or continuity in your writing.

Common error

Don't use "for the foreseeable future" when referring to very short timeframes (e.g., a few days). It suggests a longer duration than just a week or less.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the foreseeable future" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the duration or timeframe of an action or state. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase implies a period that can be reasonably anticipated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for the foreseeable future" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase indicating that a situation is expected to continue for a period of time that can be reasonably anticipated. According to Ludwig, its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for use in news, business, and some science-related contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it for very short timeframes. Alternatives like "in the near term" or "for the time being" may be more appropriate in specific situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both correct and commonly employed in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the immediate future

Highlights the urgency and closeness of the period in question relative to "for the foreseeable future".

in the coming period

A more formal way of saying the same thing; similar in scope but with a slightly different tone than "for the foreseeable future".

in the visible future

Similar in meaning, but less common than "for the foreseeable future"; emphasizes what can be anticipated.

in the near term

Focuses on the immediate future, implying a shorter timeframe than "for the foreseeable future".

in the short run

Highlights a brief period, suggesting less certainty about long-term prospects compared to "for the foreseeable future".

for the interim

Emphasizes a temporary arrangement or situation, suggesting a specific period with a defined end.

for the time being

Implies a temporary situation, possibly subject to change sooner than what "for the foreseeable future" suggests.

in the current climate

This suggests that current circumstances are expected to last into the future. "For the foreseeable future" implies a general continuation, without pinpointing a specific cause.

in the offing

Suggests something is likely to happen or appear soon, differing slightly in focus from sustained continuation.

for now

Indicates the present situation, with less emphasis on how long it will last compared to "for the foreseeable future".

FAQs

How can I use "for the foreseeable future" in a sentence?

This phrase is typically used to indicate that a certain situation or condition is expected to continue for a period of time that can be reasonably anticipated. For example, "Due to the current economic climate, remote work will continue "for the foreseeable future"."

What are some alternatives to "for the foreseeable future"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "in the near term", "in the short run", or "for the time being". Each carries a slightly different nuance regarding the duration and certainty of the expected continuation.

Is it appropriate to use "for the foreseeable future" in formal writing?

Yes, it's appropriate. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly found in news, academic, and business contexts, making it suitable for formal writing.

What does "foreseeable future" actually mean?

It refers to a period of time that can be reasonably anticipated or predicted based on current circumstances. It does not specify a precise duration but suggests a period longer than the very short term.