on a temporary basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a temporary basis" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to something that is done or happening for a limited period of time. Example: "The company hired me on a temporary basis to cover for an employee on maternity leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A one-time handout of cash will boost consumer spending on a temporary basis," he said.

Forbes

They're only there on a temporary basis.

The New York Times

The rules will be introduced on a temporary basis, and without consultation, on 6 April.

The Guardian - Money

Len Wardle is being replaced, on a temporary basis we understand, by deputy Ursula Lidbetter.

The Guardian - Business

They were hired on a temporary basis after five Filipino workers quit, Mr. Brown said Tuesday.

The New York Times

Of course, that was on a temporary basis, as opposed to replacing an icon".

The New York Times - Sports

But most museums are not willing to acquire artworks on a temporary basis, Mr. Kamansky said.

The New York Times - Arts

And any borders agreed on a "temporary" basis could turn out to last for years.

The Guardian

Announced president and general manager Lou Lamoriello will take over for Robinson on a temporary basis.

The New York Times

Following agreement among 28 governments, the trade treaty would come into force on a temporary basis.

The Guardian

Voices are provided in-house by Pixar employees, on a temporary basis.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on a temporary basis", ensure the context clearly indicates the expected duration or conditions for permanence. This prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "on a temporary basis" in formal documents can sound repetitive. Use synonyms like "interim" or "provisionally" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a temporary basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify that an action or state is not permanent. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a temporary basis" is a frequently used adverbial phrase that clearly indicates something is not permanent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its usage across varied contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When writing, be mindful of potential overuse in formal settings and consider synonyms for stylistic variety. The phrase is valuable for conveying a non-permanent status with clarity and is widely understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Temporarily

A direct synonym, focusing on the non-permanent nature.

On an interim basis

Commonly used in formal contexts like job appointments.

For a limited time

Emphasizes the duration is restricted, often used in promotions.

Provisionally

Indicates something is accepted now but might be altered later.

In the short term

Focuses on the immediate future rather than long-term.

For the time being

Suggests a situation is current but will likely change.

On a trial basis

Suggests an evaluation period before a decision is made.

For a short period

Highlights the brevity of the duration.

For now

Simplest way to indicate a current but not necessarily lasting state.

Transiently

Emphasizes the fleeting nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "on a temporary basis" in a sentence?

You can use "on a temporary basis" to describe something that is not permanent, such as "She is working here "on a temporary basis" while the main employee is on leave".

What are some alternatives to saying "on a temporary basis"?

Alternatives include "for the time being", "on an interim basis", or "temporarily", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "on a temporary basis" and "temporarily"?

While both convey the idea of something not being permanent, "on a temporary basis" is a phrase, whereas "temporarily" is an adverb. The choice often depends on the desired level of formality and sentence structure.

When is it appropriate to use "on a temporary basis"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is not permanent and is subject to change. This is common in job assignments, project roles, or agreements.