Here's a list of synonyms for the expression "in the short term," grouped by their degree of formality.
Here's a list of synonyms for the expression "in the short term", grouped by their degree of formality:
Formal
1. In the Immediate Future
"In the immediate future" usually denotes a very close time frame, perhaps days or weeks, but generally sooner rather than later. When someone says something will happen "in the immediate future", they usually mean it will happen very soon.
This term is often used when there is a sense of urgency or immediate action required.
We expect the patient to recover in the immediate future.
2. For the Near Term
"For the near term" is more likely to be used when discussing plans or forecasts that are already set or expected to occur soon. It may imply a little more immediacy than "in the short term."
For the near term, we expect the weather to remain stable.
3. In the Forthcoming Period
"In the forthcoming period" is more formal and may be better suited for academic, corporate, or legal documents to give an elevated tone. It might also be used when the time frame isn't strictly defined.
In the forthcoming period, the committee will evaluate the effectiveness of the new policy.
4. Temporarily
"Temporarily" often implies an interruption or deviation from a norm or permanent state, whereas "in the short term" often relates to a planned period or goal.
Be aware that "in the short term" is more specific to a given context or goal, while "temporarily" can be more general.
The road is temporarily closed for construction.
5. Imminently
"Imminently" usually carries more urgency and is more specific about the immediacy of the timing.
The dam is imminently at risk of breaking.
Semi-Formal
6. In the Short Run
"In the short run" is often used in economics to describe situations that will change as certain variables change. It's also used more colloquially to mean "for now" or "temporarily."
In the short run, cutting costs may boost profits, but it could harm the quality of the product.
7. In the Near Future
"In the near future" is versatile and can be used in various settings—business, casual conversations, academic discussions, etc.
We plan to expand our services in the near future.
8. Before Long
"Before long" is suitable for casual or general contexts where precision is not needed. That is, it is more flexible with respect to the time frame it encompasses. It could be days, weeks, or even months, depending on the context.
You'll feel better before long.
9. In a Little While
"In a little while" is generally less formal and more vague, suitable for casual conversations and situations that don't require precise timing.
In a little while, you'll get the hang of these idioms.
10. In the Upcoming Days/Weeks
"In the upcoming days/weeks" is more specific about the time frame, indicating that something will happen in the days or weeks immediately ahead. It is often used when there is a clearer sense of the temporal window for a given event, task, or change to occur.
Rain is expected in the upcoming days.
11. Soon
"Soon" can be used in a broad range of situations, including casual, everyday conversations. "In the short term", by contrast, is more likely to be used in formal or analytical contexts, such as business or academic settings.
I'll see you soon.
Informal
12. In a Bit
"In a bit" is commonly used in casual conversations among friends or family. This phrase is informal and generally refers to a relatively short amount of time, but it is vague and could range from a few minutes to a few hours.
I'll be ready in a bit.
13. Any Minute Now
"Any minute now" typically indicates that something is expected to happen extremely soon, often within minutes or even seconds. It implies a sense of immediacy and urgency.
This phrase is best suited for casual or informal contexts. It can be used when talking about events that are imminent and expected to occur within a very short time frame.
The bus should be arriving any minute now.
14. Right Around the Corner
"Right around the corner" generally suggests that something is very close or imminent, either in time or location. In the context of time, it can imply that the event will happen very soon, often in a matter of days or weeks.
This phrase is generally more colloquial and often used in casual conversations or for added emphasis on the immediacy of an upcoming event.
Summer is right around the corner; we need to plan our vacation!
15. Pretty Soon
"Pretty soon" is best suited for informal conversations and settings. It's a casual, somewhat vague term that suggests that an event or change will occur relatively soon, but without a specific deadline.
I'll be there pretty soon; I'm just finishing up some work.
16. In a Jiffy
"In a jiffy" is more likely to be used in casual, everyday situations. It is an idiomatic expression meaning that something will happen very quickly or almost immediately.
I'll be there in a jiffy!
