not for long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'not for long' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something will not continue or remain in a certain state for an extended period of time. For example, "He was feeling confident, but that feeling didn't last - not for long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's not for long".

The New York Times

Not for long, though.

The New York Times - Food

Perhaps not for long.

The New York Times - Sports

But not for long.

The New York Times

But probably not for long.

The New York Times

The N.F.L. — Not for Long.

The New Yorker

Not for long at all.

The New Yorker

Not for long you haven't.

Independent

But maybe not for long.

The Economist

Though probably not for long.

The Economist

But perhaps not for long.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not for long" to create a sense of anticipation or suspense, suggesting that a current situation is about to change. For instance, "The team was winning, but not for long."

Common error

Avoid using "not for long" when you actually mean something will never happen. The phrase implies a temporary state, not a permanent absence. For example, don't say "He will be happy, not for long" if you believe he will never be happy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not for long" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the limited duration of an action or state. Ludwig's examples show it's used to express that something is temporary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not for long" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that signifies the temporary nature of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides ample examples of its usage across diverse contexts, mainly in the realm of News & Media. Its communicative purpose lies in conveying transience, and it maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, remember that the phrase implies that a state will change, not that it will never exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a short time

This alternative provides a more literal and descriptive way of expressing a limited duration.

for a little while

This alternative is an informal way to express a brief duration.

briefly

This alternative is a single-word adverb that emphasizes the short duration of something.

in the short term

This alternative focuses on a limited time frame, contrasting with long-term perspectives.

temporarily

This alternative highlights the impermanent nature of something, indicating it will change.

transiently

This alternative conveys the idea of something passing through or not staying permanently.

momentarily

This alternative suggests something lasts only for a moment or a very brief period.

for the time being

This alternative indicates something is true or valid now but may change in the future.

ephemerally

This alternative emphasizes the fleeting and transient nature of something.

before long

This alternative phrase suggests something will happen soon, implying a short wait.

FAQs

How can I use "not for long" in a sentence?

You can use "not for long" to indicate that a situation or state will change soon or will not last. For example: "The peace treaty held, but "not for long"."

What are some alternatives to saying "not for long"?

Alternatives to "not for long" include "briefly", "temporarily", or "for a short time". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "not for a long time" instead of "not for long"?

While "not for a long time" is grammatically correct, it means something different. It indicates that something will take a significant amount of time to happen or is unlikely to happen soon. "Not for long" indicates that something will end soon.

Can "not for long" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "not for long" is appropriate in both formal and informal settings. Its meaning is clear and widely understood, making it versatile for various types of communication.