not immediate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not immediate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that does not happen right away or requires time to occur. Example: "The results of the experiment were not immediate, but they eventually provided valuable insights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Success was not immediate.

The New York Times

The danger is not immediate.

The Economist

The two were not immediate friends.

The New York Times - Sports

Sadly, the pay-off is not immediate.

The Economist

Burundi's decision is not immediate.

The Guardian

But success was not immediate.

The New York Times

The response was not immediate, however.

The New York Times - Sports

But the jubilation was not immediate.

The Guardian

"There are not immediate fixes," Maj.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, the fix was not immediate".

The New York Times

That's dead, that's not immediate, that's what kills theatre.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not immediate" to clarify that an effect, result, or change requires time to manifest, avoiding misunderstanding or impatience.

Common error

Avoid using "not immediate" when the context already implies a delay. For example, instead of saying "The long-term effects are not immediate", simply state "The effects are long-term" to avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not immediate" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something does not occur instantly or without delay. Ludwig confirms its usability and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not immediate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that indicates something does not happen instantly. Ludwig highlights its prevalence across various domains, including news, science, and formal communication. While versatile, it is crucial to avoid redundant use. Related phrases include "not instantaneous" and "delayed". As noted by Ludwig, its primary function is to manage expectations by clarifying realistic timeframes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not instantaneous

Emphasizes the lack of instantaneity, focusing on the time required.

not instant

A shorter, more direct synonym, stressing the absence of immediacy.

not prompt

Highlights the lack of speed or quickness in the response or occurrence.

delayed

Focuses on the postponement or holding back of something.

not forthcoming

Suggests that something is not readily available or easily obtained.

takes time

A more general expression indicating that a process or event requires a duration.

not rapid

Emphasizes the lack of speed in the process or event.

gradual

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the process or event.

not sudden

Indicates that the occurrence does not happen unexpectedly or abruptly.

down the line

A phrase indicating that the event is in the future and not happening right now.

FAQs

How can I use "not immediate" in a sentence?

You can use "not immediate" to indicate that something does not happen instantly. For example, "The results of the new policy were "not immediate", but they showed improvement over time".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "not immediate"?

Some alternatives include "not instantaneous", "delayed", or "gradual". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the response was not immediate"?

Yes, "the response was "not immediate"" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that there was a delay in the response.

What's the difference between "not immediate" and "not instant"?

While both phrases convey a lack of immediacy, "not immediate" might imply a slightly longer or more noticeable delay than "not instant". The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the specific nuance you wish to convey.