on a transitional basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a transitional basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary arrangement or situation that is meant to change or evolve over time. Example: "The company will hire additional staff on a transitional basis to manage the increased workload during the holiday season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

During his discussion with analysts and investors, Mr. Ruprecht described Ms. Brooks's role as helping the company "on a transitional basis with a number of client relationships".

The New York Times

The federal government has also promised to give provinces money, on a transitional basis, to make up for the fees their regulators now collect.

The New York Times

In the second, the UK would be unable to negotiate a deal with the EU within that timeframe, requiring it to get the agreement of other states for its membership to continue beyond that on a transitional basis.

The Guardian

Kiki McLean, a veteran Democratic Party strategist who is helping Mrs. Clinton on a transitional basis, trooped back to the press section to chat up reporters and dole out good-natured spin.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

According to the document, 152 people would be laid off in the first year, and 174 would be "used on a temporary, transitional basis".

The New York Times

They are similar to the ones outlined in a 2012 Geneva communiqué, which called for a Syrian-led political transition, including a transitional governing body formed on the basis of mutual consent.

Huffington Post

"Not on a regular basis".

The New Yorker

On a financial basis, meh.

The New York Times

It delivers payments on a consistent basis.

Independent

ShoeDazzle sells shoes on a subscription basis.

The New York Times

"At least not on a regular basis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a transitional basis" when you want to clearly communicate that an arrangement, role, or situation is temporary and intended to evolve into something different.

Common error

Avoid using "on a transitional basis" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "temporarily" or "for the time being" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a transitional basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the temporary or evolving nature of an action or state. Ludwig indicates it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

40%

Science

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a transitional basis" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe something that is temporary and part of a planned transition. Ludwig confirms its validity, but it's relatively rare. Its usage is primarily found in news and formal business contexts. While accurate, it's important to consider simpler alternatives like "temporarily" in less formal settings. When aiming for clarity and precision in professional communication, "on a transitional basis" can be a useful choice, provided it aligns with the overall tone and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a temporary basis

Direct synonym, emphasizing the non-permanent nature.

on an interim basis

Synonymous, with a slightly more formal tone.

temporarily

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverb, simplifying the expression.

for the time being

Highlights the current, non-final state.

for a limited time

Emphasizes the restricted duration.

for the short term

Focuses on the limited duration of the period.

in the interim

Focuses on the time period between events.

provisionally

Implies the arrangement is subject to change.

as a stopgap measure

Suggests a temporary solution to a problem.

as a temporary solution

Highlights the problem-solving aspect of the arrangement.

FAQs

What does "on a transitional basis" mean?

The phrase "on a transitional basis" means something is being done or arranged temporarily, as part of a change or shift from one state to another.

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

Use "on a transitional basis" when you want to emphasize the temporary nature of something that is part of a planned change or evolution. It's suitable for formal or professional contexts.

What can I say instead of "on a transitional basis"?

You can use alternatives like "temporarily", "on a temporary basis", or "in the interim" depending on the context.

Is "on a transitional basis" formal or informal?

The phrase "on a transitional basis" leans towards formal usage. In informal contexts, consider using simpler phrases like "for the time being" or "temporarily".