provisional task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provisional task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a temporary or interim assignment that is not permanent and may change or be replaced in the future. Example: "The team was assigned a provisional task to assess the project's feasibility before moving forward with the full plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Identifying such meta-rules is one of the tasks of future research and a key task of provisional thinking.

European Journal of Futures Research

The surveillance system performance index is a checklist of 48 items composed of indispensable tasks of the National Programmes (11 items), Departmental Health Offices (12 items), health centres (14 items) and communities (11 items) [ 20]: it was designed by the bilateral project team and based on the provisional surveillance guidelines to analyse the task completion and pitfalls.

BMC Health Services Research

In February, the prelate's severe health problems made it necessary for another bishop, Onufry, to take over his tasks on a provisional basis.

The Economist

First, the National Chagas Programme, with collaboration of the National Chagas Laboratory, Medical Entomology Unit and aid agencies, drafted a provisional surveillance guideline outlining indispensable tasks at the national, departmental and local levels.

BMC Health Services Research

The 13 new provisional members will be given the task of producing the Pasadena Showcase House of Design, an annual house and garden tour in the spring.

Los Angeles Times

There is now provisional BBC Trust approval for Project Canvas, the TV-on-demand joint venture that includes ITV, the BBC and BT, but Norman may be left with the task of working out what to do with ITV's digital albatross Friends Reunited, if the Competition Commission blocks its proposed £25m sale.

The Guardian

And there is little doubt that the differences between Hamas and Fatah extend well beyond the relatively simple task of knocking together a provisional government that is agreeable to all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Accountability interventions may be beneficial for less experienced young drivers but the results suggest exercising caution with the use of insight type interventions, particularly hazard perception style tasks, for more experienced young drivers typically still in the provisional stage of graduated licensing systems.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

Until now this work has still been done manually by using provisional lists from reports of possible candidates from other observatories which collaborate on this task.

Earth, Planets and Space

A provisional government of national defense was set up in 1870 and took as its first task the continuation of the war against the invaders.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are tasked to monitor the procedures and outcomes of the disability evaluations and provisional statuses of the social welfare services.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "provisional task", ensure the context clearly indicates the temporary or conditional nature of the task. This avoids ambiguity and sets appropriate expectations.

Common error

Avoid treating a "provisional task" as a permanent one. Regularly reassess its relevance and adjust or discontinue it as needed to prevent inefficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provisional task" functions as a noun phrase, where "provisional" modifies "task". It indicates that the task is temporary, experimental, or subject to change. According to Ludwig AI, it’s a valid phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provisional task" is a grammatically sound term used to describe assignments of a temporary or conditional nature. Despite its correctness, Ludwig's analysis indicates the phrase is missing in the provided real-world examples, which implies that its use is rare. When writing, it's crucial to make the temporary nature clearly so the context is well established. Alternatives such as ""temporary assignment"" or ""interim duty"" may be useful substitutes depending on the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporary assignment

Focuses on the limited duration of the assignment, highlighting its non-permanent nature.

interim duty

Emphasizes the role as filling a gap or a transitional period.

preliminary task

Stresses that the task is an initial step, subject to further development.

conditional responsibility

Highlights the dependence on certain conditions being met.

trial undertaking

Implies an experimental nature to the task, with evaluation to follow.

experimental mission

Suggests the task is being undertaken to test a new approach or method.

pilot project

Implies a small-scale version of a larger task to assess feasibility.

short-term goal

Focuses on the limited time frame within which the task needs to be accomplished.

transitional activity

Highlights the role of the task in moving from one state to another.

pro forma duty

Suggests that the task is carried out as a formality or routine.

FAQs

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

You can use "provisional task" to describe a temporary or interim assignment. For example, "The committee was given the "provisional task" of evaluating the new software."

What's a good alternative to "provisional task"?

Alternatives include "temporary assignment", "interim duty", or "preliminary task". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "provisional task" formal or informal?

"Provisional task" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in professional or academic settings.

What does "provisional" mean in "provisional task"?

In "provisional task", "provisional" means temporary, conditional, or subject to change. It indicates that the task is not permanent and may be modified or replaced later.