is only temporary

USAGE SUMMARY

"is only temporary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a situation that is expected to end or change soon. For example, you could say "The disruption to our normal operations is only temporary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is only temporary.

The Guardian - Books

"This is only temporary," Uncle Mike said.

The New York Times

But this job is only temporary.

The New Yorker

This situation is only temporary".

The New York Times

The station is only temporary.

The New York Times

But it is only temporary.

The New York Times - Arts

Don't worry this is only temporary.

University of California, Berkeley

I tell myself this is only temporary.

The Guardian

Modern British Sculpture is only temporary.

The Guardian - Arts

But the fix is only temporary.

The New York Times

That's why his defeat is only temporary.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is only temporary" to reassure someone during a difficult situation, emphasizing that the hardship will not last forever.

Common error

Avoid using "is only temporary" excessively, especially when addressing serious issues. Overuse can diminish the impact and may come across as dismissive or insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is only temporary" primarily functions as a qualifier, indicating that a particular state, condition, or situation is not permanent. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is only temporary" is a versatile qualifier used to indicate that a situation is not permanent. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general conversation. Its primary function is to reassure or manage expectations by highlighting the transient nature of a condition. While the phrase is common and useful, overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "is not permanent" or "is just for now" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not permanent

Emphasizes the lack of permanence, focusing on the state of not lasting indefinitely.

is not long-lasting

Directly states the condition will not endure for an extended period.

is just for now

Highlights the present moment, indicating the situation is limited to the current time.

will soon pass

Focuses on the imminent end of the current situation.

is provisional

Suggests that something is arranged or established for the time being, likely to be changed later.

is a short-term fix

Specifically suggests a solution intended for the immediate future, implying a more lasting solution is needed.

is subject to change

Highlights the possibility of future alterations, indicating instability.

is transitional

Indicates a phase of change or movement from one state to another.

is fleeting

Similar to ephemeral, but perhaps with a slightly less formal connotation.

is ephemeral

Emphasizes the fleeting and transient nature of something, often used in a more literary or philosophical context.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is only temporary"?

You can use alternatives such as "is not permanent", "is just for now", or "is a short-term fix" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is only temporary"?

The phrase "is only temporary" is appropriate when you want to convey that a situation, condition, or state is not meant to last for a long time and will eventually change or end. It's often used for reassurance or to provide a sense of hope.

What is the difference between "is only temporary" and "is temporary"?

The phrase "is only temporary" emphasizes the limited duration more strongly compared to simply saying "is temporary". The addition of "only" reinforces the transient nature of the situation.

In what contexts is "is only temporary" commonly used?

As seen in Ludwig, "is only temporary" is frequently used in "news and media", academic writing, and general conversation to describe situations ranging from job assignments to economic conditions and personal feelings.