“For the time being” is a phrase used to describe a temporary condition that can exist for a specific period of time. It is part of a larger category of phrases that revolve around the use of the word “time”. Speakers may add “but” and an additional phrase to suggest an impending change.
The slightly idiomatic phrase “for the time being,” used in modern English, refers to a temporary condition that is true at the time the speaker refers to it. In this sentence, the word “to be” is what makes this sentence confusing for some English-speaking beginners. It is useful for instructors or others to explain to those learning English why and how this phrase is used.
In most usages, the phrase is used for a condition which, while temporary, can exist for a specific period of time. For example, if someone says the sales numbers are good at a company “for now,” that implies that the numbers can always change in future quarters or at other times. If someone uses the phrase in reference to their own well-being, they are making a general statement about their current satisfaction with situations and events, again, acknowledging that something may change over time.
In many cases, English speakers will avoid using this phrase to refer to personal intentions. For example, someone might say, “May I put your account on hold for now,” which is a fair use of the phrase, but in some cases, they might prefer other kinds of expressions for something that is self-referential. Another example is if someone who is helping another person by holding up a temporary banner or other object says, “I can hold this for a while.” Here the phrase “for a while” is often preferred to the other term, which speakers often use to refer to longer periods of time.
The phrase is part of a larger category of phrases that revolve around the use of the word “time.” Another similar one is “for a time”. This phrase also refers to a period of time and shares a very similar meaning. Other modern phrases with the same meaning include “for now” or “for today.”
This is one of many utterances that can change its meaning slightly based on how someone says it. For example, some inflections where the sentence is emphasized in context may lead listeners to believe that future conditions are expected to change rapidly. Additionally, speakers may add the conjunction “but” and an additional phrase to suggest an impending change. For example, someone selling a product may say, “The price is low right now, but that might change tomorrow.”
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