short-term assignment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "short-term assignment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a task or job that is intended to last for a limited period of time. Example: "She accepted a short-term assignment in another city to gain experience in her field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

On a short-term assignment in Afghanistan, I saw N.G.O.

The New York Times - Magazine

In a short-term assignment, establish a feedback loop with your manager and others around you.

Harvard Business Review

Perhaps this spring, in his short-term assignment, Robinson will fashion something memorable for the long term.

The New York Times - Sports

Doing so can assure a short-term assignment becomes a building block in your long-term professional development.

Harvard Business Review

"I came to GMAC thinking that it was a short-term assignment working through a liquidity crisis," Mr. de Molina, 52, said in Monday's statement.

The New York Times

Maybe it's a trial; maybe it's a presentation; maybe it's a short-term assignment that can be done in an afternoon.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Every week, write down a list of your assigned tasks — short-term assignments and long-term goals — and rank them by importance, from your perspective.

The New York Times

Companies that place executives in short-term assignments say business is increasing sharply.

The New York Times

The same principles apply to those charting goals for short-term assignments.

Harvard Business Review

Short-term assignments also make little sense from a career development point of view.

Harvard Business Review

However, short-term assignments were the ones most companies expected to grow.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before accepting a "short-term assignment", clarify the objectives, expectations, and potential for future opportunities to ensure alignment with your career goals.

Common error

Avoid using "short-term assignment" when referring to indefinite or permanent positions. Ensure the role has a clearly defined end date or project scope to accurately represent its temporary nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "short-term assignment" functions as a noun phrase, where "short-term" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "assignment". This phrase is commonly used to describe a job, task, or project that has a limited duration. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Science

23%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "short-term assignment" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a temporary job or project with a defined duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and business settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the role's objectives and duration. While alternatives like "temporary post" or "contractual role" exist, "short-term assignment" remains a versatile and widely understood choice. A best practice includes highlighting how such assignments contribute to long-term career growth. Avoid using it for indefinite roles to prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporary post

This refers to a job or position held for a limited duration.

fixed-term engagement

Emphasizes the pre-defined duration of the work arrangement.

contractual role

Highlights that the work is based on a contract with a specific end date.

interim position

Suggests a temporary role, often to fill a gap until a permanent solution is found.

limited-term appointment

Formal term emphasizing a role assigned for a specific duration.

project-based work

Focuses on the assignment being tied to a specific project with a defined scope and timeline.

temporary mission

Implies a specific, short-duration task or goal-oriented assignment.

seasonal employment

Typically linked to specific times of the year, like holidays or harvests.

time-bound task

Highlights the finite duration of the assigned task.

contingent work

Highlights a work arrangement that is not permanent or guaranteed.

FAQs

How can a "short-term assignment" benefit my career?

A "short-term assignment" can provide diverse experiences, skill enhancement, and networking opportunities, which can contribute to long-term career growth. It can also help you explore different industries or roles before committing to a permanent position.

What are some alternatives to saying "short-term assignment"?

You can use alternatives like "temporary post", "contractual role", or "interim position" depending on the context.

Is it better to include or exclude a "short-term assignment" on my resume?

It's generally advisable to include "short-term assignments" on your resume, especially if they showcase relevant skills or experience. Be sure to clearly indicate the duration of the assignment and highlight your accomplishments.

What should I clarify before accepting a "short-term assignment"?

Before accepting a "short-term assignment", clarify the objectives, expectations, and potential for future opportunities. Also, confirm the compensation, benefits, and any relocation or travel arrangements.