a stopgap measure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stopgap measure" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a temporary solution or fix that is intended to address a problem until a more permanent solution can be implemented. Example: "The company implemented a stopgap measure to address the supply chain issues while they worked on a long-term strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of course, this is a stopgap measure.

The New Yorker

So it's sort of a trial period, a stopgap measure".

The New York Times

"The counteroffer is often just a stopgap measure".

The New York Times

But cash infusion is at best a stopgap measure.

The New York Times

It was essentially a stopgap measure, a way of reducing uncertainty in an underdeveloped economic environment.

The New York Times

The government is operating under a stopgap measure that expires Nov. 16.

The New York Times

Ms. Poitras said the current redo of the rules was just a stopgap measure.

The New York Times

Gumbert's efforts in Iowa, which began last August, were something of a stopgap measure.

The New Yorker

Under a stopgap measure, the current Congress extended financing for government agencies until only March.

The New York Times

The move would make permanent a stopgap measure that the Legislature took last year.

The New York Times

The EpiPen is a stopgap measure to buy time until life-saving care can be administered.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stopgap measure" when you need to emphasize that a solution is temporary and meant to address an immediate need, with the understanding that a more permanent solution will be implemented later. It's effective in situations where a quick fix is necessary to maintain operations or stability.

Common error

Avoid treating "a stopgap measure" as a long-term solution. Clearly communicate that it's temporary and that a more sustainable approach is still needed. Failing to do so can lead to recurring problems and a lack of investment in lasting solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stopgap measure" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves to identify or describe a specific type of action or policy, namely one that is temporary and intended to address an immediate need or problem. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stopgap measure" is a noun phrase used to describe a temporary solution implemented to address immediate needs, with the understanding that a more permanent fix is required later. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "temporary solution" and "interim solution". When using "a stopgap measure", it's essential to acknowledge its temporality and communicate the need for a lasting solution to prevent future issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a temporary solution

Focuses on the temporal aspect, highlighting that the solution is not permanent.

an interim solution

Emphasizes that the solution is meant to bridge a gap until a better option is available.

a provisional arrangement

Highlights the conditional and temporary nature of the agreement.

a short-term fix

Directly indicates that the solution is designed for a limited duration.

a band-aid solution

Suggests a quick and often inadequate fix that addresses the surface issue.

a makeshift remedy

Implies that the solution is created using readily available resources and is not ideal.

a palliative measure

Focuses on relieving symptoms without curing the underlying problem.

an expedient solution

Highlights that the solution is practical and convenient, though not necessarily ideal.

a temporary expedient

Combines the concepts of temporality and practicality for immediate needs.

a bridging solution

Focuses on the solution's role in connecting two states or periods.

FAQs

How to use "a stopgap measure" in a sentence?

You can use "a stopgap measure" to describe temporary solutions. For example: "The government implemented "a stopgap measure" to address the immediate economic crisis."

What can I say instead of "a stopgap measure"?

You can use alternatives like "temporary solution", "interim solution", or "short-term fix" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to implement "a stopgap measure"?

It is appropriate to implement "a stopgap measure" when an immediate problem requires a solution, but a permanent fix is not yet available or feasible.

What is the difference between "a stopgap measure" and "a permanent solution"?

A stopgap measure is a temporary fix, while a permanent solution is designed to resolve the problem for the long term. The former addresses immediate needs, while the latter aims for lasting resolution.