just for today

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'just for today' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to express an intention to only do something for the current day and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, "I'm going to choose to be positive just for today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that's the joy of it: they know they're getting one over, if just for today.

The New York Times - Magazine

"If I manage just for today, I may hurt what happens tomorrow," Johnson said.

The New York Times - Sports

Planning not just for today or the next three years but for prosperity into the future.

The Guardian - Opinion

He's all over the web, just for today, with articles explaining who he was.

The Guardian - Arts

Just for today, however, let us consider who's not going to be releasing an album.

The Guardian - Music

But just for today, I will put those thoughts aside and enjoy the success of how far we have come.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a Just For Today meditation book on the table – a 12-step recovery tool – because the actor no longer drinks.

Independent

Just for today, however, respect for years of past service demands that Kauto Star tops the bill in the Guinness Gold Cup.

Independent

The "Google doodle", which changes periodically to mark national holidays or anniversaries of major events, features a profile of the monarch and a crown just for today.

Independent

It will take a few stores to match my old salary, but I'm building for the future, not just for today".

The New York Times

The question is how do you ensure independence not just for today but for good if you don't have that reflected in some sense in statute.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just for today" to encourage a focus on immediate actions or attitudes, promoting a sense of manageability and reducing overwhelm. For instance, "Just for today, I will focus on completing one task."

Common error

Avoid using "just for today" when implying a long-term commitment. It's better suited for short-term goals or temporary changes in behavior, as it explicitly suggests a limited duration. If you need to imply something with future implication it's better to avoid this specific adverbial phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just for today" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a time restriction. It specifies that an action, state, or intention is limited to the current day. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just for today" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the temporary nature of an action or mindset. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is "very common", appearing most often in "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Formal & Business" contexts. It's particularly useful for encouraging short-term behavior changes or setting achievable daily goals. While generally neutral in register, it may be more appropriate to use alternatives like "temporarily" in highly formal settings. Common mistakes include implying long-term commitments when the phrase is intended for short-term actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for today only

Emphasizes the exclusivity of something being limited to the present day.

only for the present day

Highlights the current day as the sole period for a particular action.

for this day alone

Stresses the singularity of the current day in relation to a specific event or condition.

temporarily

Focuses on the temporary nature of something, without specifically mentioning the current day.

for the time being

Indicates that something is true or valid only for the immediate future.

just for the moment

Similar to "just for today" but refers to a shorter, more immediate timeframe.

for the duration of today

More explicitly states the timeframe as the entire day.

on this occasion only

Highlights that something is valid just on a particular instance instead of referring to daily routine.

in the short term

Refers to a limited period, but is less specific about being only a single day.

momentarily

Implies a very brief duration, less than the span of a day.

FAQs

How can I use "just for today" in a sentence?

You can use "just for today" to set a temporary goal or mindset. For example, "Just for today, I will practice gratitude" or "I'm putting aside my worries, "just for today"".

What can I say instead of "just for today"?

Alternatives to "just for today" include phrases like "for today only", "only for the present day", or "for this day alone". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "just for today" in formal writing?

While "just for today" is generally acceptable, it might be perceived as too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "temporarily" or "for the time being" if a more professional tone is needed.

What's the difference between "just for today" and "in the short term"?

"Just for today" specifies a single day, emphasizing a temporary mindset or action for that day only. "In the short term", on the other hand, refers to a more general period of limited duration, which could be several days, weeks, or even months.