provisional solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The term 'provisional solution' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a temporary or incomplete solution to a problem or issue. For example, "We have come up with a provisional solution to the budgeting problem, but we need to discuss it further."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The program's success with the transfer exception at quarterback, however, is most likely a provisional solution.

The New York Times

As a provisional solution until an anticipated reunification with the eastern sector, the capital was located in the small university town of Bonn.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The justices offered their own provisional solution in Wheaton College v Burwell, which let religious non-profits secure an exemption from the mandate without filling out a form.

The Economist

While Obama was trapped in Washington grinding out a provisional solution to the shutdown, China's leaders were exploiting his absence from the world stage to promote the pragmatic benefits of their political system.

The Guardian - Books

Suppose that (x = (sigma _{1}, sigma _{2}, ldots, sigma _{|mathcal {K}|})in mathcal {X}) is the provisional solution.

Pacific Journal of Mathematics for Industry

The goal of such inquiry was not to arrive at a certain picture of the nature of things, but at an inevitably provisional solution to the practical and intellectual problem that sparked inquiry.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It takes time to implement these provisional solutions.

TechCrunch

Core processes involve brain-storming among a selected group of individuals (known as the intervention mapping team made up of researchers, content experts and stakeholders), who come up with provisional solutions to the specific tasks and questions.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Prices are interpreted as a feasible dual solution and the provisional allocation is interpreted as a feasible primal solution.

European Journal of Operational Research

Houk said provisional ballots aren't a solution, pointing to "abysmal" long lines outside polls in Fulton County in 2012.

Huffington Post

To use another analogy, one former Minister Lafazanis might well appreciate, it was as though in October 1917, Lenin had called the Bolsheviks off the streets, left Trotsky and the Red Guards to be arrested, and gone back to the Provisional Government to negotiate a solution.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provisional solution", clearly communicate the expected duration and any plans for a more permanent resolution to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid treating a "provisional solution" as a long-term fix. Always outline the steps needed to implement a lasting solution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provisional solution" functions as a noun phrase, where "provisional" modifies "solution". It describes a solution that is temporary, conditional, or subject to change. Ludwig AI highlights its usage in various contexts, from political situations to scientific inquiries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provisional solution" describes a temporary or incomplete answer to a problem. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, as evidenced by numerous examples from reliable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Its function is to denote a non-final resolution, implying the need for further refinement or a more permanent strategy. While appropriate across several registers, it’s crucial to define the expected duration and steps towards a lasting solution when employing a "provisional solution".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short-term solution

Directly indicates the solution is only intended for the near future.

temporary fix

Emphasizes the short-term nature of the solution.

interim measure

Suggests a solution implemented between two points in time.

stopgap arrangement

Highlights the solution's role in filling a gap until a better alternative is available.

transitional arrangement

Suggests the solution is part of a shift from one state to another.

ad-hoc solution

Implies the solution was created for a specific, immediate problem.

makeshift remedy

Suggests the solution is created from whatever is available at the time.

expedient resolution

Highlights the practicality and convenience of the solution.

contingent plan

Emphasizes that the solution is dependent on certain conditions being met.

tentative approach

Indicates the solution is uncertain and subject to change.

FAQs

How can I use "provisional solution" in a sentence?

A "provisional solution" is often employed when immediate action is required, but a comprehensive strategy isn't yet available. For example, "The committee agreed on a "provisional solution" to address the immediate budget shortfall".

What are some alternatives to "provisional solution"?

You can use alternatives such as "temporary fix", "interim measure", or "stopgap arrangement" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "provisional solution" and "temporary solution"?

While both suggest a non-permanent fix, "provisional solution" often implies that the solution is subject to further evaluation or refinement, while "temporary solution" simply indicates a short-term fix.

When is it appropriate to implement a "provisional solution"?

A "provisional solution" is suitable when facing an immediate problem that requires a quick response, but a complete or ideal strategy is not yet feasible. It allows progress while a better, more lasting approach is developed.