ad hoc measures

USAGE SUMMARY

"ad hoc measures" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an expression that means customized or improvised solutions to a specific problem or situation. For example, "In response to the economic crisis, the government had to take ad hoc measures to help the struggling companies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

- a lack of coherence in applying them, and ad hoc measures that are ill-defined, inadequate and piecemeal and are added to existing arrangements without any attempt at harmonization. - a lack of reliable monitoring, feedback and reporting of information about the problems encountered.

BMC Health Services Research

"My view is that there are too many ad hoc measures," he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Shelby complained that the emerging program seemed to be "a series of ad hoc measures" rather than the kind of comprehensive approach that is needed.

The New York Times

This may, in fact, provide a better level of scrutiny than disparate departments announcing ad hoc measures during "good days to bury bad news".

The Guardian - Opinion

Pooling resources: Facilities for storing spent fuel underwater, like the one here, are reaching capacity around the country, forcing nuclear plant operators to take ad hoc measures.

MIT Technology Review

"These are ad hoc measures, without the governments having any clear idea of what exactly they are trying to achieve," she said Friday in a telephone interview.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

However, downsizing used as an ad hoc measure solely to reduce costs may hinder the full potential of human capital restructuring, regardless of its use as a measure to increase efficiency, or as a turnaround move (Freeman and Cameron 1993).

Business Research

However, this data is shaping how careers are both studied by the science of science community, as well as how academics ad hoc measure their impact and the impact of colleagues.

EPJ Data Science

This is an ad hoc measure whereby, if the concentration ratio of the Hispanic population over the total workforce in each of those occupations is over 1.3, then the occupation is classified as Hispanic dominated; otherwise, if it is less, it is considered non-Hispanic dominated.

IZA Journal of Migration

It was therefore necessary to derive an ad hoc measure for this study.

Plosone

We also used an alternative method to detect the number of clusters by calculating the ad hoc measure: ΔK (the second order rate of change of ln P D) with respect to K; [38]), where the modal value of ΔK corresponds to the most pronounced partition of the data set.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing strategic responses, use "ad hoc measures" to indicate a lack of planning or a reactive approach, contrasting it with systematic or comprehensive strategies.

Common error

Avoid using "ad hoc measures" when describing well-planned and comprehensive solutions; reserve it for situations where actions are taken without a clear, overarching strategy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ad hoc measures" functions as a noun phrase, where "ad hoc" modifies "measures". According to Ludwig AI, it means customized or improvised solutions to a specific problem or situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ad hoc measures" refers to temporary or customized solutions implemented reactively rather than proactively. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase is commonly used in news, science, and formal business contexts, denoting a lack of strategic planning. While these measures can provide immediate relief, they are generally less effective than well-planned, comprehensive strategies. Common alternatives include "temporary solutions", "makeshift arrangements", and "stopgap solutions". It's crucial to distinguish "ad hoc measures" from systematic approaches in writing and to reserve the term for situations lacking a clear strategic framework.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporary solutions

Focuses on the time-limited nature of the solution.

stopgap solutions

Highlights the use of a temporary fix until a more permanent solution is found.

makeshift arrangements

Emphasizes the resourcefulness and improvisation involved.

provisional actions

Implies a formal but not finalized approach.

band-aid solutions

Stresses the superficial and temporary nature of the fix.

interim steps

Highlights the transitional nature of the measures.

quick fixes

Emphasizes the speed and simplicity of the solution, often implying a lack of thoroughness.

on-the-spot resolutions

Stresses immediate and reactive problem-solving.

reactive strategies

Highlights that measures are responding to events.

contingency plans

Related to planning but lacks the systemic preparation approach.

FAQs

How can I use "ad hoc measures" in a sentence?

You can use "ad hoc measures" to describe actions taken without a clear plan. For instance, "The government implemented "temporary solutions" as "ad hoc measures" to address the immediate crisis."

What are some alternatives to "ad hoc measures"?

Alternatives include "temporary solutions", "makeshift arrangements", or "stopgap solutions" depending on the context.

Is it better to implement "ad hoc measures" or a comprehensive strategy?

While "ad hoc measures" can provide quick, immediate relief, a comprehensive strategy is generally preferable for long-term, sustainable solutions. "Ad hoc measures" are best suited for addressing unexpected or urgent issues when a full strategy is not yet available.

What's the difference between "ad hoc measures" and "contingency plans"?

"Ad hoc measures" are typically reactive and implemented without prior planning, while "contingency plans" are proactive strategies developed in advance to address potential future events. "Ad hoc measures" lack this preparatory element.