makeshift measures

USAGE SUMMARY

'makeshift measures' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to temporary or improvised solutions to a problem or situation. Example: Due to the unexpected power outage, the store had to resort to makeshift measures such as using candles for lighting and accepting cash payments only.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But others with fewer resources resort to their own makeshift measures to stay alive.

The New York Times

The United States has also declined to take up makeshift measures suggested by refugee advocates, including conducting the interviews by videoconference.

The New York Times

Only good fortune and makeshift measures to pump or spray water into all the spent fuel pools averted that disaster, the academy panel notes.

Science Magazine

In order to cope with the special disasters, such as NBC or nuclear, biological and chemical disaster, it is insufficient to take makeshift measures or use cheap tricks.

Critical Care

In order to cope with the mega-disaster, it became evident that it is insufficient to take makeshift measures or use cheap tricks.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Day after day, night after night, a band of farmers kept watch, sitting under a makeshift canopy of boards and plastic sheets, measuring the river's progress.

The New Yorker

During a December gale in 1876, the steering mechanism broke as the boat approached Burlington, and the captain chained a makeshift tiller to the steering post, a desperate measure that didn't work.

The New York Times - Arts

Two years later, the Fukushima plant still relies on makeshift cooling systems, some of which were built as stopgap measures in the frantic weeks and months after the accident.

The New York Times

The demolition of the makeshift camp in Calais began on Tuesday, as charities said the measures were unacceptable while children remained and calls were made for all the children to be registered and taken to safety.

The Guardian

In child development, the Programme took reactive measures to reconstruct schools destroyed by cyclones and provided learning materials for makeshift schools in resettlement areas.

Unicef

Though protective measures have been tightened at airports and aboard planes, many of the safeguards are makeshift and much remains to be done.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "makeshift measures", ensure the context clearly indicates the temporary and often resourceful nature of the actions being taken. For example, describe the limitations or improvisations involved.

Common error

Avoid presenting "makeshift measures" as long-term solutions. Emphasize their temporary nature to manage expectations and highlight the need for more robust alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makeshift measures" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "makeshift" modifies the noun "measures". It describes actions or solutions that are temporary and often improvised. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "makeshift measures" refers to temporary, often improvised solutions used to address immediate needs, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare, appearing primarily in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. When writing, it's important to emphasize the temporary nature of these measures and consider more formal alternatives like ""provisional measures"" in certain situations. Avoiding the assumption of permanence is crucial when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makeshift solutions

Highlights the urgency, inventiveness and simplicity, but focusing on the overall solution.

provisional measures

Indicates actions taken on a temporary basis until more permanent solutions are established. This alternative emphasizes the temporary nature more directly.

temporary expedients

Highlights the urgency and convenience of the solution, often implying a less than ideal approach. This shifts the focus to the expediency of the measures.

stopgap solutions

Emphasizes that the measures are designed to fill a gap until something better is available, implying incompleteness. The focus is on bridging a temporary need.

interim solutions

Suggests the measures are implemented for a defined period, usually until a long-term resolution is found. This emphasizes a scheduled temporary nature.

band-aid fixes

Implies a quick, superficial fix that doesn't address the underlying problem, often used critically. This alternative suggests a lack of thoroughness.

quick fixes

Focuses on the speed and ease of implementation, potentially overlooking thoroughness. The phrase stresses immediate resolution.

ad hoc solutions

Highlights that the solutions are created for a specific, immediate problem and might not be reusable. This emphasizes the tailored and temporary nature.

rough solutions

Focuses on simplicity and lack of refinement of solutions provided to address a problem with urgency. Highlights the lack of complexity.

acting measures

These measures are implemented while waiting for a formal approval.

FAQs

How can I use "makeshift measures" in a sentence?

You can use "makeshift measures" to describe temporary or improvised solutions. For example: "Due to the flood, the town relied on "makeshift measures" to provide clean drinking water."

What are some alternatives to saying "makeshift measures"?

Some alternatives include "temporary expedients", "stopgap solutions", or "interim solutions", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "makeshift measures" in formal writing?

While "makeshift measures" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "provisional measures" or "interim solutions" might be preferable in highly formal contexts.

What is the difference between "makeshift measures" and "permanent solutions"?

"Makeshift measures" are temporary and often improvised, used to address immediate needs, while "permanent solutions" are designed to resolve issues in the long term and are typically more thoroughly planned and implemented.