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 need to find a way to manage the increased workload, so we will hire temporary staff as a stopgap until we can recruit full-time employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

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

However, Mr. Diop said any incremental price increase should be viewed as a stopgap measure.

The New York Times

Gluten-free?' " He agreed to it as a "stopgap source of income".

The New York Times

However, she made clear that she regarded affirmative action as a stopgap.

The New Yorker

Still others view the center as a stopgap that does not address underlying infrastructure problems.

The New York Times

Jake Delhomme, after being replaced by Moore, was signed as a stopgap for the Browns.

The New York Times

But unemployment insurance was created as a stopgap, a short bridge to the next paycheck.

The New York Times

He decided instead on a one-year, $200 million borrowing proposal as a stopgap.

The New York Times

Classrooms are already packed, she said, and modular classrooms have been erected as a stopgap measure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Bed closures mean that inpatients are often admitted to day surgery unit as a 'stopgap' measure".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a stopgap", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what the long-term or permanent solution will be. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid relying on "as a stopgap" repeatedly without eventually implementing a permanent solution. If the temporary measure becomes the norm, it can indicate a lack of planning or resources.

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. It provides context about the nature and duration of the action being described, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a stopgap" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a temporary solution or measure. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability, especially in news, science, and formal contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the intended duration and the ultimate solution are evident. While highly versatile, avoid overuse and strive for long-term solutions instead. Related phrases such as "as a temporary measure" and "as an interim solution" offer similar meanings with slight differences in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a temporary measure

Replaces "stopgap" with a more common synonym, emphasizing the temporary nature.

as an interim solution

Similar to "temporary measure", focusing on the solution aspect.

as a provisional arrangement

Highlights the conditional and temporary nature of the arrangement.

as a short-term fix

Emphasizes the quick and temporary nature of the solution.

as a makeshift solution

Implies the solution is not ideal but serves the purpose temporarily.

as a temporary expedient

Replaces "solution" with a more formal word.

as an acting substitute

Focuses on the act of something or someone replacing something temporarily.

as a fill-in

A more informal and concise way to express a temporary replacement.

for the time being

Indicates a temporary state or situation.

as a patch

Suggests a quick fix to cover a problem.

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, "Hiring freelancers served as a stopgap until we could recruit full-time employees".

What's a good substitute for the phrase "as a stopgap"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as a temporary measure", "as an interim solution", or "as a provisional arrangement".

Is it always clear that a "stopgap" is meant to be temporary?

While "stopgap" inherently implies temporariness, it's best to explicitly state when the permanent solution is expected to be in place to avoid confusion.

When is it inappropriate to use "as a stopgap"?

It's inappropriate if the described solution is intended to be permanent, or if there are no plans for a more comprehensive solution. Using it then would be misleading.