not permanently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not permanently" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is temporary or subject to change over time. Example: "The changes to the schedule are not permanently set, so be prepared for adjustments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not permanently.

The New York Times - Magazine

But maybe not permanently.

The New York Times - Sports

Nauru will not permanently resettle any refugees.

The Guardian

Fortunately most of the transformers were not permanently affected.

The New York Times

However, the carbon taken up is not permanently stored.

The New York Times

Why, then, are finger pads not permanently wrinkled?

The New York Times - Science

Not permanently, of course, but just for a little while.

The Guardian

"Personal accounts do not permanently fix the solution," he said.

The New York Times

I was never going to leave Manhattan, not permanently.

The New York Times

Security experts said the virus did not permanently damage computers.

The New York Times

In America you are not permanently tracked at 14 into a particular stratum of society.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not permanently" when you want to emphasize that a situation or condition is temporary and may change in the future. This can add a nuanced perspective compared to simply saying "temporarily."

Common error

While "not permanently" is versatile, in very formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "provisionally", "temporarily", or "subject to revision" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not permanently" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate that an action or state is not intended to last indefinitely. As confirmed by Ludwig, it introduces the concept of transience and possibility of change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "not permanently" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something is temporary or not intended to last forever. According to Ludwig, it serves to qualify statements, soften claims, or offer reassurance regarding the absence of lasting effects. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more precise alternatives in highly formal writing. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media contexts. Therefore, consider using "not permanently" when you specifically wish to emphasize the potential for change or reversal, as opposed to a simple state of being temporary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporarily

This single word concisely conveys the idea of something not being permanent.

not for good

This emphasizes the lack of permanence, highlighting the temporary nature of the situation.

for a limited time

This alternative specifies that the situation will only last for a certain duration.

not indefinitely

This phrase indicates the situation has an end date, or is not perpetual.

for the time being

This suggests a temporary arrangement, which may change in the future.

not forever

This emphasizes the finite nature of something and has a strong connotation to temporariness.

on a provisional basis

This implies a conditional or experimental setup, not meant to be permanent.

subject to change

This phrase focuses on the possibility of future alterations or adjustments.

not irreversibly

This highlights the possibility of reversing the situation or undoing the effects.

for now

This indicates something applies for the present time only.

FAQs

What does "not permanently" mean?

The phrase "not permanently" means something is temporary or not intended to last forever. It implies the situation, condition, or effect is subject to change or reversal.

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

You can use "not permanently" to indicate a temporary state or action. For example, "The new regulations are "subject to change", so they are not permanently set in stone."

What are some alternatives to "not permanently"?

Alternatives to "not permanently" include "temporarily", "for the time being", or "not for good" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "temporarily" or "not permanently"?

Both "temporarily" and "not permanently" indicate something is not lasting. "Temporarily" is more concise, while "not permanently" can add emphasis that a situation could become permanent, but isn't currently.