not anytime soon

USAGE SUMMARY

"not anytime soon" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something will not happen in the near future. For example, "I won't be able to visit you not anytime soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Perhaps, but not anytime soon.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not anytime soon, he insisted.

The New York Times

But not anytime soon.

The New York Times

Hopefully, not anytime soon".

The New York Times - Sports

"Not anytime soon," he said.

The New York Times

Or, at least, not anytime soon.

The New York Times

Me: "Yeah, probably not anytime soon, either".

The New York Times

AMY DAVIDSON: I don't, not anytime soon.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I have not visited Sri Lanka, and probably won't anytime soon, but it's my new fantasy.

The New York Times - Food

He's the Jets QB and will remain so until they find someone better, which they won't anytime soon.

The New Yorker

That hasn't changed and won't anytime soon.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not anytime soon" to set realistic expectations. It's ideal when addressing speculation or rumors about future events, tempering enthusiasm with a dose of realism.

Common error

While "not anytime soon" is useful, avoid relying on it too frequently. Vary your language by incorporating alternatives like "not in the foreseeable future" or "not for a while" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not anytime soon" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action or event will (or, more accurately, will not) occur. Ludwig examples showcase its use in response to questions or speculations about future events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Not anytime soon" is a common adverbial phrase used to express that something will not happen in the near future. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, finding frequent usage across various contexts, especially in news and media. While versatile, it's best used to temper expectations and provide realistic assessments. Alternative expressions like "not in the foreseeable future" or "not for a while" can add variety to your writing. Overusing the phrase may result in the text sounding repetitive, so be careful. The phrase is commonly found in neutral and sometimes in informal contexts. Knowing these nuances can improve the clarity and impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not in the foreseeable future

This alternative emphasizes the uncertainty and distance of the event in the future.

not in the near future

A direct synonym, focusing on the proximity of the expected timeframe.

not for a while

Indicates a period of time must pass before the event occurs, less specific than "not anytime soon".

not in the short term

This alternative focuses on the immediate timeframe.

not any time in the offing

A more formal way of saying something is not likely to happen in the observable future.

not on the horizon

Suggests the event is not even visible as a possibility in the near future.

not immediately

Focuses on the lack of immediacy, indicating a delay.

not presently

Indicates that something is not happening at the current time, with an implication that it may never happen.

not forthcoming

Implies that something is being withheld or is unlikely to occur.

don't hold your breath

An idiomatic expression advising against expecting something to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "not anytime soon" in a sentence?

Use "not anytime soon" to indicate that something is unlikely to occur in the near future. For instance, "Will they release a new album this year? Probably "not anytime soon"."

What are some alternatives to saying "not anytime soon"?

You can use phrases like "not in the near future", "not for a while", or "not in the foreseeable future" to express a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not anytime soon"?

Yes, the phrase "not anytime soon" is grammatically sound and commonly used in English. It's an idiomatic expression that functions as an adverbial phrase.

What's the difference between "not anytime soon" and "not immediately"?

"Not immediately" implies a lack of instant action, whereas "not anytime soon" suggests the event will not happen in the broader near future. "Not immediately" indicates something won't happen right away, while "not anytime soon" indicates it won't happen in the near future.