for the immediate future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the immediate future" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an upcoming short period of time near the present. For example: We will be closed for the immediate future due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

However, without government intervention it is likely to remain a niche area for the immediate future.

Independent

Her ambition for the immediate future is more modest.

The Guardian

For the immediate future, the 2008 RAE will go ahead.

The Guardian

"For the immediate future, Apple is extraordinarily well positioned".

The New York Times

And for the immediate future, the economic ramifications of having one's car orphaned are rarely favorable.

The New York Times - Travel

Analysts believe China has little choice but to keep its dollar holdings for the immediate future.

The Guardian - Business

But many Democrats concede in private that the debate is largely over for the immediate future.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, brokers say, for the immediate future it is likely to remain a landlord's market.

The New York Times

But tonight Daniel's position appeared secure, at least for the immediate future.

The Guardian - Business

The logic for shorter contracts, for the immediate future, is hard to refute.

The Guardian - Music

But Kordell Stewart will be entrusted with steering the Steelers' ship for the immediate future.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the immediate future" to set clear expectations about the duration of a situation, especially when plans might change.

Common error

Avoid using "for the immediate future" when you actually mean "for the foreseeable future". The former refers to a very short timeframe, while the latter implies a longer, though still limited, period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the immediate future" serves as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating a timeframe that is close to the present. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for the immediate future" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a short upcoming period of time, as confirmed by Ludwig. Primarily found in news and media sources, it serves to specify duration, maintaining a neutral register. When writing, it's important not to confuse it with "for the foreseeable future", which implies a longer duration. Alternatives include "in the short term" or "for the time being". By understanding these nuances, you can use "for the immediate future" effectively to clarify your intended timeframe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the short term

Focuses on a limited duration from now, emphasizing practicality.

in the near future

Highlights the proximity to the present, less emphasis on limitation.

for the time being

Stresses the temporary nature of the situation, implies a possible change.

for now

Emphasizes the present moment with less regard of duration.

in the short run

Focuses on limited gains or events of short duration.

until further notice

Highlights dependence on communication of future changes, focuses on instructions.

in the coming days

Highlights proximity as number of days, less emphasis on limitation.

in the current climate

More context-dependent, specifically refers to present environment.

in the present circumstances

More formal alternative, specifically tied to existing environment.

for the foreseeable future

Implies planning ahead as far as you can see or know.

FAQs

How do I use "for the immediate future" in a sentence?

Use "for the immediate future" to describe events or plans that are expected to happen or continue for a short duration, near the present. For example, "The road will be closed "for the immediate future" due to construction".

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

You can use alternatives like "in the short term", "in the near future", or "for the time being", depending on the specific context.

Is "for the immediate future" the same as "for the foreseeable future"?

No, "for the immediate future" refers to a shorter, more definite period than "for the foreseeable future", which implies a longer, but still limited, timeframe that can be reasonably predicted.

When is it appropriate to use "for the immediate future"?

Use "for the immediate future" when discussing plans, policies, or situations that are expected to remain in effect for a brief, known period. It's best used when you want to convey a sense of temporality and near-term focus.