as a stopgap solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a stopgap solution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a temporary measure or workaround that is intended to address a problem until a more permanent solution is found. Example: "The team implemented a new software tool as a stopgap solution while they worked on developing a more comprehensive system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

To address their lack of depth at quarterback, the Giants may need to add a player or move a player already on the roster to quarterback as a stopgap solution.

The New York Times - Sports

The cube is meant to serve as a stopgap solution until NFC (near field communication) really takes off in mobile.

TechCrunch

While the state's policies on the export of labor started as a stopgap solution to the balance of payment problems and growing unemployment during the Marcos regime of the 1970s, succeeding administrations have inherited the labor export apparatus (Guevarra 2010; Rodriguez 2010; Tyner 2000) and have continued and expanded labor migration through the years.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

The group had previously backed extending tax cuts for all Americans as a stopgap solution.

Huffington Post

2D hardware-accelerated rendering is done natively, while other drawing functionality is redirected to OpenGL as a stopgap solution.

Wikipedia

Instead, permits were routinely issued to all of these industries, among others and it's resulted in what critics view as a stopgap solution that's scapegoating wolves.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

She found a stopgap solution, renting desk space for $450 a month in a nearby office suite.

The New York Times

As politicians in Sacramento struggled to find a stopgap solution to California's energy crisis, other parts of the United States began to wake up to the possibility that what was happening on the West Coast could happen to them.

The New York Times

It requires barcodes, which are sort of a stopgap solution in between the credit card era and the mobile-phone-as-payment-mechanism era — much like the Square dongle is a stopgap solution in between using credit cards and simply saying your name at checkout.

TechCrunch

As Appbistro co-founder Nalin Mittal notes, working with payment processors could be a stopgap solution for Facebook.

TechCrunch

It is a stopgap solution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "as a stopgap solution" if a permanent solution is readily available or easily implemented; a more robust approach is generally preferred.

Common error

Don't treat a "as a stopgap solution" as a replacement for addressing the underlying issue. Continuously pursue and implement a comprehensive, long-term solution to prevent recurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a stopgap solution" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or clause. It describes how an action is being performed or a situation is being addressed – in a temporary, interim manner. Ludwig's examples illustrate this function in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a stopgap solution" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a temporary measure implemented until a more permanent solution can be found. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. While effective in conveying the temporary nature of a solution, it is important to avoid treating it as a permanent fix and to communicate clearly about the long-term strategy. Alternatives like "temporary fix" or "interim solution" can be used depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an interim solution

Replaces "stopgap" with "interim", emphasizing the temporary nature of the solution.

as a temporary fix

Focuses on the immediate problem being addressed, using more common vocabulary.

as a short-term measure

Highlights the limited duration of the solution.

as a provisional arrangement

Emphasizes the conditional and temporary nature of the agreement.

as a makeshift remedy

Suggests a less formal and potentially imperfect solution.

as an immediate workaround

Highlights the practical and quick nature of the solution.

as a band-aid solution

A more informal way to describe a quick and simple fix that may not be ideal.

as a quick fix

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize speed and ease of implementation.

as a palliative measure

Indicates a solution that eases symptoms without addressing the underlying problem.

as a temporary expedient

Suggests a solution chosen for convenience, although perhaps not ideal.

FAQs

How can I use "as a stopgap solution" in a sentence?

Use "as a stopgap solution" to describe a temporary fix or measure implemented until a more permanent or effective solution can be found. For instance: "The new software was implemented as a "stopgap solution" while the team developed a long-term system."

What are some alternatives to "as a stopgap solution"?

Alternatives include "temporary fix", "interim solution", "short-term measure", or "provisional arrangement". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "as a stopgap solution" in formal writing?

Yes, "as a stopgap solution" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure it aligns with the overall tone and clarity of your document. Consider alternatives like "interim solution" or "provisional arrangement" for a more formal tone.

What does "as a stopgap solution" imply about the overall strategy?

Using "as a stopgap solution" suggests that the current approach is temporary and that a more robust, long-term strategy is being developed or sought. It implies awareness of the limitations of the immediate fix.