it was temporary

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "It was temporary" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you may use this sentence to describe the nature of a job you held: "My previous job was only temporary, so I am now looking for a more permanent position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"They thought it was temporary".

The New York Times

But, like all recess appointments, it was temporary.

The New York Times

"Implicit in the shutdown was it was temporary," he said.

The New York Times

"He knew it was temporary from the start".

The New Yorker

What became of the project? A. It was temporary.

The New York Times

Benevolent guardianship was good, but only if it was temporary and a means to self-reliance.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"It is temporary, impermanent.

The Economist

It's temporary insanity.

The Guardian

Luckily it is temporary.

The Guardian

Why do I think it's temporary?

The New York Times

You say it's temporary.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a temporary situation, follow up with information about what will happen when it concludes. For instance, "It was temporary, lasting only until the end of the project."

Common error

Avoid acting as if something temporary will become permanent without explicitly communicating the change. Misinterpreting the duration can lead to poor planning and unmet expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was temporary" functions as a statement indicating that a situation, condition, or role is not permanent. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples across different contexts, supporting its wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was temporary" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is not permanent. As evidenced by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig AI from reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes, the phrase is widely used across news, science, and even encyclopedic contexts. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various settings, and understanding its alternatives—such as "it was fleeting" or "it was transitional"—can enhance precision in writing. Remember to manage expectations by clarifying the intended duration and avoiding assumptions of permanence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was tentative

Indicates a provisional or experimental nature, implying less certainty and more possibility of change than "it was temporary".

it was fleeting

Similar to ephemeral, but emphasizes the quick passage of time rather than inherent fragility.

it was brief

Emphasizes the shortness of duration, which may be a component of "it was temporary" but is not the sole defining factor.

it was momentary

Focuses on the extremely short duration, implying it lasted for just a moment.

it was seasonal

Suggests a recurrence related to specific times of the year, a more specific timeframe than "it was temporary".

it was ephemeral

Implies a very short duration, often beautiful or delicate, highlighting the fleeting nature more strongly than "it was temporary".

it was precarious

Highlights instability and a high risk of ending, adding a sense of danger or uncertainty not present in "it was temporary".

it was facultative

Implies optionality, indicating something is not required or permanent by nature, a different nuance than "it was temporary".

it was fragile

Highlights the vulnerability of the state, suggesting easy to be broken or ended rather than a planned limited duration.

it was partial

Suggests incompleteness rather than a limited time frame, focusing on scope or extent.

FAQs

How can I use "it was temporary" in a sentence?

You can use "it was temporary" to describe a job, a living situation, or a state of mind. For instance: "The job "it was temporary", so I'm seeking a permanent position."

What's the difference between "it was temporary" and "it was fleeting"?

"It was temporary" implies a limited duration with a potential end in sight, while "it was fleeting" suggests something vanished quickly and unexpectedly.

Are there formal alternatives to "it was temporary"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it was provisional" or "it was transitional" to convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

How to emphasize the short duration of something instead of saying "it was temporary"?

To emphasize the short duration of something, you can use phrases such as "it was brief" or "it was momentary". These alternatives highlight the quick passing of time.