not permanent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not permanent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is temporary or subject to change. Example: "The changes we made to the schedule are not permanent and can be adjusted as needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That you're not permanent.

The New York Times

"It's not permanent.

The New York Times

"It's not permanent," she said.

The New York Times

"This trail is not permanent.

The New York Times - Travel

"This is not permanent," Kresse says.

The New York Times - Magazine

"And coalitions are not permanent".

The New York Times

Their reunion was not permanent.

The New Yorker

Not permanent, but an undercurrent.

The Guardian

It's not permanent or anything".

The Guardian - Opinion

That temporary means not permanent.

The Guardian

However, the modular structure is not permanent.

Procedia CIRP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing arrangements or agreements, clarify the timeframe alongside the statement that something is "not permanent". This provides greater clarity and manages expectations effectively.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something is "not permanent", it will change imminently. Clarify the potential timeframe for any changes to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not permanent" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate that the noun's state, condition, or existence is temporary or subject to change. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

27%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not permanent" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is temporary or subject to change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. While alternatives like "temporary" or "transient" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, ensure you clarify the potential timeframe to avoid misunderstandings and manage expectations effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporary

Single word replacement, emphasizes brevity.

impermanent

Formal synonym stressing the lack of permanence.

not lasting

Focuses on the lack of endurance over time.

transient

Suggests a fleeting or quickly passing nature.

fleeting

Suggests something passes quickly or is difficult to capture.

short-lived

Highlights the brief duration of something.

ephemeral

Emphasizes the very short duration of something.

not fixed

Highlights the lack of stability or established nature.

provisional

Implies a condition that is subject to change or cancellation.

unstable

Suggests the possibility of change or collapse.

FAQs

What's the difference between "not permanent" and "temporary"?

"Not permanent" is a broader term indicating something isn't intended to last indefinitely. "Temporary" specifically implies a limited duration, often with a defined end.

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

You can use "not permanent" to describe various situations: "The job offer is not permanent, it's a six-month contract", or "The effects of the medication are not permanent".

What are some alternatives to saying "not permanent"?

Alternatives include "temporary", "transient", "impermanent", or "short-lived". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "not permanent" or "not lasting"?

Both "not permanent" and "not lasting" are correct. "Not permanent" is more general, while "not lasting" emphasizes the lack of durability or endurance. Choose the phrase that best fits the nuance you want to convey.