a temporary worker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a temporary worker" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is employed for a limited period of time, often to fill in for permanent staff or to handle seasonal work. Example: "The company hired a temporary worker to assist with the increased workload during the holiday season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

He was in the United States on a temporary worker visa.

The New York Times

It wants to see step-by-step legalisation of undocumented workers and a temporary worker programme.

The Economist

Those who are going back to jobs will displace a temporary worker.

The Guardian

Ms. Marshall's position as a temporary worker in a law office was shaky, she confided.

The New York Times

It turns out he would hesitate before hiring a temporary worker.

The New York Times

So when we talk about agile talent, it's not quite the same as a temporary worker.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Most significant, Martinez de Vara won adoption of language calling for a temporary-worker program.

The New Yorker

But the pro-immigrant bloc within his party is applauding a temporary-worker plan that includes legalization.

The New York Times

Still, the Gang resolved the issue and moved on to an even more volatile piece of business: a temporary-worker program.

The New Yorker

A temporary-worker program would allow as many as 400,000 migrants into the country each year, but they would have to leave after two years.

The Washington Post

Last year, he sponsored a bill that would combine a temporary-worker program and a path to citizenship for many illegal immigrants while also increasing border security.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a temporary worker", be specific about the reason for the temporary employment (e.g., seasonal demand, project-based work, or filling in for a leave of absence) to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming all temporary positions are low-skilled or unimportant. Many temporary roles require specialized skills and contribute significantly to an organization's success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a temporary worker" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying a person employed for a limited duration. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing employment status and labor programs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a temporary worker" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone employed for a limited time. Ludwig AI identifies its primary function as a noun phrase used to denote employment status, appearing frequently in news, business, and scientific contexts. Alternatives include "short-term employee" and "contract employee". When using the phrase, be specific about the reason for the temporary employment, and avoid making generalizations about the skill level or importance of the role.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short-term employee

Focuses on the duration of the employment.

a contract employee

Highlights the contractual nature of the work agreement.

a seasonal worker

Emphasizes work tied to specific times of the year.

a contingent worker

Stresses the non-permanent status and dependence on business needs.

a temp worker

Shortened, more informal version of the original phrase.

a freelance worker

Highlights the independent nature and project-based employment.

an interim employee

Suggests filling a role until a permanent replacement is found.

a fixed-term employee

Focuses on the pre-defined duration of employment.

a casual employee

Indicates an irregular or on-call work arrangement.

a project-based worker

Emphasizes employment tied to the completion of a specific task.

FAQs

How to use "a temporary worker" in a sentence?

You can use "a temporary worker" to describe someone employed for a limited time. For example, "The company hired "a temporary worker" to cover for the employee on maternity leave".

What can I say instead of "a temporary worker"?

Alternatives include "a short-term employee", "a contract employee", or "a seasonal worker", depending on the specific context.

What are the legal implications of hiring "a temporary worker"?

The legal implications vary by jurisdiction, but often involve considerations related to employment contracts, benefits eligibility, and termination procedures. Consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance.

What's the difference between "a temporary worker" and "a consultant"?

"A temporary worker" is typically an employee hired for a short period, while "a consultant" is usually an independent contractor brought in for their expertise on a specific project or issue.