for the foreseeable future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the foreseeable future" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically is used to describe an extended period of time that is yet to come. For example, "We will continue to operate with reduced staff for the foreseeable future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

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

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

For the foreseeable future, Robin may just have to do.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr Putin will remain in power for the foreseeable future.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the foreseeable future" when you want to indicate that a situation is expected to continue for an extended, but not necessarily precisely defined, period. Avoid using it if you have a specific end date in mind.

Common error

Avoid using "for the foreseeable future" when you mean 'forever'. The phrase implies an eventual change, whereas 'forever' suggests an indefinite continuation. If you intend to convey absolute permanence, use a different expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the foreseeable future" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating a duration or timeframe. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatical and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the foreseeable future" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that a situation is expected to continue for an extended, but not precisely defined, period. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely used in various contexts, predominantly in news and media, conveying a sense of duration based on present understanding. To avoid misinterpretations, remember that it implies eventual change, so it shouldn't replace terms indicating absolute permanence. When a slightly different nuance is desired, consider synonyms like "in the near term" or "for the time being", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the near term

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

in the short run

Similar to 'in the near term', implying a limited duration.

for the time being

Indicates a temporary situation, shorter than what is implied by the original phrase.

as things stand

Emphasizes the current conditions and immediate continuation without predicting the distant future.

for now

Suggests a present state that may change soon, implying less certainty.

in the current climate

Highlights that the situation is dependent on the current external factors and may change once these shift.

for a while

Implies a less definite and potentially shorter duration.

in the medium term

Focuses on the mid-range perspective rather than a period with unclear boundaries.

until further notice

States a condition that will last until explicitly changed.

in the intermediate period

Refers to a time between two defined points, offering a bounded perspective.

FAQs

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

Use "for the foreseeable future" to indicate that something is expected to continue for an extended period. For example: "The company will continue to work remotely "for the foreseeable future"."

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "in the near term", "in the short run", or "for the time being".

Is it correct to say "in the foreseeable future" instead of "for the foreseeable future"?

While "in the foreseeable future" might be understood, ""for the foreseeable future"" is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing.

What's the difference between "for the foreseeable future" and "in the distant future"?

"For the foreseeable future" refers to a period that is not immediate but still within a reasonable scope of prediction, whereas "in the distant future" refers to a time far off and much less certain.