interim government

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "interim government" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a temporary government established to manage a transition period, often following a crisis or change in leadership. Example: "The country is currently being led by an interim government until new elections can be held."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It could take an interim government and another election to get a clear governing mandate.

The New York Times

An interim government is being formed.

The New York Times

A technocratic interim government is coming together.

The New York Times

An interim government was installed.

The New York Times

But what of the interim government?

The New York Times

An interim government of national unity is needed.

The Economist

Sunnis boycotted elections to the current, interim government in January.

The Economist

Both sides may miraculously agree on an interim government.

The New York Times

WHO is the interim government leader of Libya?

The New York Times

In Afghanistan, Mr Karzai's interim government is fragile.

The Economist

Gaziantep is now home to the nascent Syrian Interim Government.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a government in transition, ensure clarity by specifying the duration and purpose of the "interim government". For example, mention the timeline for elections or the specific tasks it is mandated to perform.

Common error

Don't assume your audience knows the context. When using the term "interim government", briefly explain the circumstances that led to its formation and what distinguishes it from a permanent government.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "interim government" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of government with a temporary role. Ludwig shows its common usage in news reports and encyclopedic entries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "interim government" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, primarily functioning as a noun phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig, it commonly appears in news reports and encyclopedias to describe a temporary governing body during political transitions. Its usage is generally neutral to formal, and while various alternatives like "transitional authority" or "caretaker administration" exist, they carry slightly different connotations. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to provide context about the reasons for its establishment and its specific mandate. Avoid ambiguity by always clarifying why this type of government has taken place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Interim administration

Uses 'administration' instead of 'government', suggesting a focus on management and execution of policies.

Temporary administration

Simple substitution of "interim" with "temporary", maintaining a neutral tone.

Interim council

Swaps "government" with "council", suggesting a more collaborative approach in decision-making.

Transitional authority

Replaces "government" with "authority", emphasizing the power and control aspect, often used in post-conflict scenarios.

Provisional government

Emphasizes the temporary and experimental nature of the governance.

Caretaker administration

Uses "caretaker" to highlight the temporary nature and limited scope of the government's responsibilities.

Provisional regime

Implies a more authoritative and potentially less democratic temporary governance structure.

Transitional council

Highlights a council-based structure rather than a centralized government, implying a collaborative approach.

Caretaker cabinet

Specifically refers to the cabinet level, indicating a focus on executive functions.

Stand-in government

Informal term highlighting the temporary and replacement function of the government.

FAQs

What is another term for "interim government"?

Alternatives to "interim government" include "transitional government", "caretaker administration", or "provisional government", each with slightly different connotations.

How does an "interim government" differ from a permanent government?

An "interim government" is temporary, formed to manage a transition, often after a crisis or before elections. A permanent government is established through regular, established procedures and has a longer-term mandate.

When is it appropriate to use the term "interim government"?

Use "interim government" when referring to a temporary government established to fill a void, such as after a coup, revolution, or during a period of political instability, until a permanent government can be formed through elections or other established means.

What are the typical responsibilities of an "interim government"?

Typical responsibilities include maintaining order, providing basic services, preparing for elections, and initiating essential reforms. Its powers are usually limited to avoid long-term policy changes before a permanent government is in place.