The other day, someone asked me to explain “for the time being”, so I want to write about that today. This expression is used when we want to talk about what we will do while we’re waiting for something to happen in the future. For example:
I want a new winter coat, but I don’t have enough money for one now. For the time being, I’ll have to wear my old one.
I can’t get a permanent job right now so, for the time being, I’ll have to get a job as a temp worker.
I don’t have anywhere to live right now. Is it ok if I stay with you for the time being?
I know you don’t have your own computer so, for the time being, you can use mine.
When we use “for the time being”, the amount of time we will have to wait is usually unknown. In my examples, the people don’t know how long it will be until they can get a new winter coat, get a permanent job, find their own apartment or get their own computer.
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