not today

USAGE SUMMARY

'not today' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you do not want to do something today. For example, "I do not want to go to the store today, not today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Not today Satan, not today.

Independent

But not today, people!

The New York Times

Kiner said, "Not today.

The New Yorker

"Not today," she said.

The New Yorker

At least not today.

The New York Times

"Not today," Sizemore said.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Soon, but not today".

The New Yorker

But that's not today.

Independent

No, honey, not today.

The New Yorker

Not today, he said.

The New York Times

Maybe not tomorrow.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not today" to politely decline an invitation or request without completely ruling out the possibility in the future. It softens the refusal by suggesting a potential future acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "not today" in highly formal or professional settings where a more direct and specific explanation is expected. For instance, in a business proposal rejection, provide concrete reasons instead of a casual dismissal.

Linguistic Context

"Not today" functions as an interjection or a short declarative phrase used to express refusal, denial, or postponement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. It often appears as a standalone response in dialogues, as evidenced by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not today" is a versatile phrase used for politely declining offers or requests, with a hint of potential future acceptance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral to informal register. When writing, consider using it to soften refusals in casual settings, but opt for more explicit language in formal communications. Alternatives like "not this time" or "maybe later" can provide nuanced variations of the same sentiment. Avoid using it in formal contexts where a clear reason for declining is expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not now

A simpler and more direct way to decline something immediately.

not this time

Replaces "today" with "this time", focusing on a specific instance rather than a specific day.

not this day

Emphasizes the specific day as unsuitable.

not at this moment

Emphasizes the present inability or unwillingness to proceed.

some other time

Indicates a willingness to do something later, without specifying when.

I'll pass for now

Informal way of declining an offer or suggestion.

maybe later

Offers a less definitive postponement, implying uncertainty.

not on this occasion

More formal, suitable for declining something in a polite manner.

not in the foreseeable future

Suggests a more distant or indefinite delay.

postponed

A formal declaration that the task is delayed and rescheduled.

FAQs

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

You can use "not today" to politely decline a request or suggestion, implying that you might be open to it at another time. For example, "Can you help me move this weekend?" "Not today, but maybe next week."

What's a more formal alternative to "not today"?

For a more formal setting, consider alternatives like "I'm unable to at this time" or "I'll have to decline for the time being".

Is it appropriate to use "not today" in professional communication?

While "not today" is generally understood, it's best reserved for informal or casual professional interactions. More formal situations might require a clearer explanation for declining.

What does it mean when someone says "Not today, Satan"?

The phrase "Not today, Satan" is a humorous expression of resistance against temptation, negativity, or unwanted influences. It's a way to playfully reject something undesirable.