As a stopgap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "As a stopgap" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a temporary solution or measure that is put in place until a more permanent one can be established. Example: "We implemented a new software system as a stopgap while we work on developing a more comprehensive solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a stopgap, silent movies were retrofitted with dialogue sequences to perk them up.

The Guardian - Film

As a stopgap measure, Otsuchi announced in late April that it planned to hire 270 townspeople to remove debris.

The New York Times

As a stopgap, Obama's plan employs prosecutorial discretion, which is a lawyer's way of describing fairness and common sense.

The New Yorker

As a stopgap, the California Legislature reallocated $1.6 million in educational and capital grants for salaries and daily expenses.

The New York Times - Arts

As a stopgap, she was given a job in a laboratory at the Provincial Institute for Hygiene in Antwerp.

Science Magazine

As a stopgap, it takes some of the sting out of what is an essentially unjust situation.

TechCrunch

As a stopgap, the German Army ordered a preliminary vehicle to train German tank crews.

Wikipedia

As a stopgap measure, two German s were purchased in 1910.

Wikipedia

As a stopgap measure, suburban scabs and striking NFL referees fill teacher positions while the jobless reapply.

Huffington Post

But the program is seen as a stopgap effort.

The New York Times

Mr. Faizi described the local police forces as a stopgap measure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "As a stopgap" when you want to emphasize that a solution is temporary and intended to be replaced by something more permanent in the future. Be sure to indicate what the long-term solution will be to provide full context.

Common error

Avoid using "As a stopgap" if the solution you're describing is intended to be long-term. This phrase explicitly communicates a temporary nature, so a different term would be more accurate if the intent is permanent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "As a stopgap" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating that an action or measure is temporary. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe actions taken to address immediate needs while a more permanent solution is sought. The Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "As a stopgap" is a prepositional phrase used to describe temporary solutions. It is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the temporary nature of the solution is clear and that a more permanent solution is either in place or being actively pursued. Alternatives such as "as a temporary measure" or "as an interim solution" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As a temporary measure

Emphasizes the time-limited nature of the action.

As an interim solution

Highlights that the solution is not final.

As a short-term fix

Implies a quick, and possibly imperfect, solution.

As a provisional arrangement

Suggests a formal, but not permanent, agreement.

As a workaround

Implies bypassing an issue without resolving it fundamentally.

As a band-aid solution

Suggests a superficial fix that doesn't address the root problem.

As a quick fix

Emphasizes speed and ease of implementation.

For the time being

Focuses on the current situation without implying a specific solution.

To bridge the gap

Highlights the role of connecting two different situations or time periods.

In the meantime

Indicates an action taken while waiting for something else.

FAQs

How can I use "As a stopgap" in a sentence?

You can use "As a stopgap" to describe a temporary solution implemented until a more permanent one is available. For example, "The company implemented a hiring freeze "as a stopgap" until the economic situation improves."

What are some alternatives to using "As a stopgap"?

Some alternatives to "As a stopgap" include "as a temporary measure", "as an interim solution", or "for the time being", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "As a stopgap" in formal writing?

Yes, "As a stopgap" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a temporary measure in business, academic, or news contexts.

What's the difference between "As a stopgap" and "As a workaround"?

"As a stopgap" refers to a temporary solution meant to be replaced, while "as a workaround" suggests a way to bypass a problem without fixing it, which might or might not be temporary.