a temporary appointment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a temporary appointment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a job or position that is not permanent and is intended to last for a limited time. Example: "She accepted a temporary appointment as the project manager while the company searched for a permanent replacement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Not bad for a "temporary" appointment.

The Economist

It may only be a temporary appointment, while the usual (white) captain recovers from injury.

The Economist

Mrs Palin could probably make a temporary appointment that lasts until the special election is held.

The Economist

Papademos was billed as a temporary appointment when he was chosen as technocratic PM last November.

The Guardian - Business

At about the same time, he received a temporary appointment as a junior collector of customs.

Britannica

It is clear that Gov. Jesse Ventura can make a temporary appointment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Defenders might rely on an 1898 Supreme Court decision, United States v. Eaton, which allowed for the temporary appointment of a vice-consul in Thailand "for a limited time, and under special and temporary conditions," namely, the illness of the consul and the vast distance between the U.S. and Thailand.

The Washington Post

Given this, he said, the temporary appointment of a familiar editor is likely to be a relief to the staff.

The New York Times

Ms. Aun said that Mr. Solls's temporary appointment as a consultant was consistent with Komen policy.

The New York Times

Or instead will we witness the temporary appointment of an IRS director focused on aiding Trump and his allies rather than collecting revenue?

HuffPost

Mayor Brown had intended the temporary appointment to be a peace offering to Mr. Daly, with whom he has had a difficult relationship, Mr. Johnson said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a temporary appointment", ensure the context clearly indicates the expected duration or conditions for the appointment's end. This prevents ambiguity about the role's permanence.

Common error

Avoid implying permanence when discussing "a temporary appointment". Be explicit about its temporary nature, as assumptions of longer-term employment can lead to misunderstandings and potential legal issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a temporary appointment" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific type of job or position that is not permanent. The Ludwig examples illustrate this use across varied contexts, affirming its role in defining employment terms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Science & Research

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a temporary appointment" is a frequently used noun phrase referring to a non-permanent job or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile across news, academic and business contexts. Common related phrases include "a short-term assignment" and "an interim placement". When employing this phrase, clarity about the appointment's duration is key to prevent misunderstandings. Top authoritative sources using this term include The New York Times, The Economist, and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short-term assignment

Replaces 'appointment' with 'assignment' emphasizing the task-oriented nature of the role. The degree of similarity is extremely high.

a provisional designation

Substitutes 'temporary' with 'provisional' and 'appointment' with 'designation', indicating a conditional or interim arrangement.

an interim placement

Uses 'interim' instead of 'temporary' and 'placement' instead of 'appointment', both suggesting a fill-in role.

a fixed-term contract

Highlights the contractual aspect, specifying a defined duration.

a locum position

A more specialized term, often used in medical or academic contexts, implying a stand-in role.

a fill-in role

Informal and straightforward, directly conveying the purpose of temporarily occupying a position.

a substitute post

Emphasizes the act of replacing someone else temporarily.

a caretaker position

Suggests a role focused on maintaining the status quo until a permanent solution is found.

a transitional role

Focuses on the role as part of a transition period.

an acting capacity

Refers to someone performing the duties of a role without holding the full permanent title.

FAQs

What does "a temporary appointment" mean?

The phrase "a temporary appointment" refers to a job or position that is not permanent and is intended to last for a limited time, often to fill a vacancy or cover a specific project.

How can I use "a temporary appointment" in a sentence?

You might say, "She accepted "a temporary appointment" as the interim director" or "The governor made "a temporary appointment" to fill the vacant Senate seat."

What are some alternatives to "a temporary appointment"?

Some alternatives include "a short-term assignment", "an interim placement", or "a provisional designation".

Is there a legal definition of "a temporary appointment"?

While the exact legal definition can vary by jurisdiction and context, "a temporary appointment" generally implies a role that has a defined end date or is contingent upon certain events, like the return of a permanent employee or the completion of a project. Consult specific employment laws for precise details.