not imminent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not imminent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is not expected to happen in the near future. Example: "The project's completion is not imminent, so we have time to make necessary adjustments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's certainly not imminent.

The Guardian - Sport

Disaster is not imminent.

The Guardian - Sport

Such cases are probably not imminent.

The New York Times

But that day is not imminent.

The New York Times

Granada said a deal was not imminent.

The New York Times

A diplomatic breakthrough is not imminent, however.

The New Yorker

Wright's return from the disabled list is not imminent.

The New York Times - Sports

One of the people said the deal was not imminent.

The New York Times

Jamaat knows that an internationally credible trial is not imminent.

The Economist

Turkey's government promised that an invasion was not imminent, however.

The Economist

The events of Friday suggested his departure was not imminent.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not imminent", ensure that the context clearly establishes a timeframe to help the audience understand the expected delay. For example, "While changes are expected, a complete overhaul is not imminent within the next quarter".

Common error

Avoid using "not imminent" when there is a clear possibility of the event occurring sooner than expected. Instead, use more tentative language such as "unlikely in the short term" or "not currently planned".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not imminent" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate that a particular event or situation is not expected to occur in the near future. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not imminent" is a useful and grammatically sound way to express that an event is not expected to happen soon. It is commonly used in news, business, and formal writing to manage expectations and provide reassurance. Ludwig AI examples show that while widely accepted, it is best used when a more immediate timeline is not expected. Understanding the nuances of similar phrases, like "not impending" or "not on the horizon", can help you choose the most appropriate expression for your specific context. The related writing guidance is useful to avoid overstating the certainty of delay.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not impending

Replaces "imminent" with "impending", suggesting that an event is not about to occur.

not on the horizon

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate that something is not likely to happen in the near future.

not in the cards

Employs a colloquial idiom to suggest that an event is unlikely to occur.

not close at hand

Indicates that something is not nearby or immediately accessible, either physically or temporally.

not just around the corner

Uses a spatial metaphor to convey that something is not happening soon.

not on the immediate agenda

Suggests that something is not being planned or considered for the very near future.

not scheduled soon

Emphasizes that something is not planned or expected in the near future.

not anticipated shortly

Indicates that something is not expected to happen in the immediate future.

not coming any time soon

Expresses that an event will not occur in the foreseeable future.

unlikely in the short term

Specifies that something is improbable in the near future.

FAQs

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

You can use "not imminent" to describe events that are expected to happen, but not in the immediate future. For example: "Although changes are planned, a major restructuring is "not imminent"."

What are some alternatives to saying "not imminent"?

Alternatives include "not impending", "not on the horizon", or "not in the cards", depending on the desired tone and context.

Is it correct to say "not quite imminent"?

Yes, "not quite imminent" is grammatically correct and conveys that something is close to being imminent but has not yet reached that point. However it would be wise to check "not quite imminent" usage to ensure it fits your specific needs.

What's the difference between "not imminent" and "unlikely"?

"Not imminent" suggests something is not going to happen soon, while "unlikely" suggests that something probably won't happen at all. Imminence refers to timing, while likelihood refers to probability. Check out the alternatives for "unlikely" to find the best alternative for your needs.