for the time being

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'for the time being' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation that is expected to last temporarily or until a certain point in the future. For example, "I will be working from home for the time being while I wait for the new office to be built."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing for the time being.

Independent

Nonsense for the time being.

The New York Times

None for the time being?

The New York Times

I suggest silence for the time being.

The New York Times

For the time being, no cellphone.

The New York Times

If only for the time being".

The New York Times

For the time being, it still can.

The Economist

Switzerland for the time being.

Princeton University

For the time being, anyway.

The Guardian - Sport

For the time being avoid templates.

Stanford University

For the time being they haven't asked".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the time being" to clearly indicate that a situation is temporary and subject to change. This avoids confusion and sets appropriate expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "for the time being" when describing something intended to be permanent. This creates ambiguity and undermines the intended message.

How to use

Learn how to use "for the time being" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the time being" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the temporary duration of an action or state. Ludwig examples illustrate this by showing it qualifying situations like temporary solutions or current arrangements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the time being" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the temporary nature of a situation. It is grammatically correct and widely accepted, as validated by Ludwig. The phrase finds frequent application in news, academic, and professional contexts, signaling that a particular state or action is subject to change. While it is acceptable for diverse registers, writers should use it judiciously, ensuring that the temporary aspect is clearly communicated. As Ludwig AI validates, the phrase is a useful addition to one's vocabulary for conveying impermanence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for now

A more concise and informal way of expressing a temporary arrangement.

for the moment

Similar to "for now", it highlights the present situation without long-term commitment.

temporarily

This single word alternative simplifies the phrase to an adverb indicating a limited duration.

for a limited period

This alternative clarifies the existence of a specific duration, even if not defined.

in the short term

Focuses on the near future, implying a change will occur further down the line.

in the interim

This phrase suggests an intervening period between two events.

until further notice

Highlights the uncertainty of the duration, implying a change is coming, but unspecified.

provisionally

This term emphasizes the possibility of later alteration or cancellation.

for the foreseeable future

Indicates a period that can be reasonably predicted, though still not permanent.

as a stopgap measure

Suggests an immediate solution to bridge a gap until something better is available.

FAQs

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

Use "for the time being" to indicate a temporary state or action. For example, "We're using this software "for the time being", but plan to upgrade soon."

What phrases are similar to "for the time being"?

Similar phrases include "temporarily", "for now", or "in the interim", all suggesting a non-permanent situation.

Is it appropriate to use "for the time being" in formal writing?

Yes, "for the time being" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly conveys the temporary nature of a situation without being overly casual. However, more formal alternatives such as "provisionally" might be considered depending on context.

What is the difference between "for the time being" and "in the meantime"?

"For the time being" indicates how long a current situation will last, while "in the meantime" refers to what will happen during that period. You might say, "I'm working from home "for the time being"; in the meantime, I'm setting up my home office."