For the time being means for now, until something changes. You use it about a temporary situation that will probably be different later: We're renting a flat for the time being. The phrase is neutral, so it works both in conversation and in work emails.
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For the time being, + clause; clause + for the time being; for now (shorter, more casual)
- The lift is broken, so for the time being we have to use the stairs.
- I'm staying with my cousin for the time being, while I look for a flat of my own.
- For the time being, the course is only available online.
What changed
First versionAt the time being, I'm working from home three days a week.
RevisionFor the time being, I'm working from home three days a week.
At the time being mixes up two expressions, at the moment and for the time being. At feels natural because of phrases like at the moment and at present, but this fixed expression only takes for. At was changed to for.
At the moment simply describes what is happening now: I'm on a call at the moment. For the time being adds the idea that the situation is temporary: this is how things are now, but they will change. For now means almost the same but sounds shorter and more casual: Let's stop here for now.
Your turn
The new office won't be ready until spring, so ___ we're working from a small room downstairs.
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for the time being — The office won't be ready until spring, and until then the team is using a room downstairs. This is a temporary arrangement in the present, so for the time being fits. At the time means then, at that point in the past: At the time, I didn't know anyone in the city.
Write about a temporary arrangement at work, in your studies or at home. Say what you are doing for now and what should change later.
For the time being, I'm cycling to work, but I'll start driving again once my car is repaired.
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