stopgap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stopgap" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a temporary solution or measure that is intended to address a problem until a more permanent solution can be found. Example: "We implemented a stopgap measure to ensure the project could continue while we worked on a long-term fix."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Alcohol and other drugs were having a heavy impact on Indigenous life expectancy, and measures such as "dry zones", which banned alcohol in areas where people congregated to drink, were stopgap strategies that only harmed people in the long run, Wilson told Guardian Australia.

The Guardian

For too long, say campaigners, the private rented sector has been seen as a stopgap for young people between their parents' homes and their own.

The Guardian - Business

Jonathan Wright With the Twin Peaks sequel looking precarious, here's a timely, star-stuffed stopgap: a mysterious new drama shepherded to the small screen by fallen movie idol M Night Shyamalan.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

GOP leaders acknowledged to reporters that discussions around a shorter stopgap measure were under way, but still signalled they might roll the dice and see how the votes would play out on the Senate floor before pursuing other options.

The Guardian

As a stopgap measure, the Swedish and Danish central banks this week offered a combined €500m in short-term swap facilities, allowing the central bank to keep exchanging lats for euros.

The Economist

That, and not deficit reduction, is its real point, as it has been Ryan's real point throughout his career.According to Mr Klein, Mr Ryan's method is to overstate the dangers of fiscal imbalance and then present his ideological vision of government as the only way out, even when plenty of piecemeal stopgap reforms are available to head off budgetary doom.

The Economist

America, which gets an eighth of its imported oil from Nigeria, seemed particularly relieved.In this section Will he, won't he? Clean them up Hard to get out Talk of talks The last of the Jewish Arabs ReprintsHe might now wish to extend his stopgap presidency.

The Economist

The chasm between rich and poor fuels militant gangs in the oil-rich southern delta and Islamist sects in the arid north.Mr Jonathan vowed to halt decades of misrule on becoming a stopgap president last May.

The Economist

"I am afraid they are trying to buy a recovery plan," says John Judge, head of the firemen's union, who worries it is just a stopgap.

The Economist

The danger is that he has backed an unsatisfactory stopgap, a dripfeed that will only prolong Argentina's financial agony.

The Economist

However, the first group will always have an entirely different agenda: to them any neighbourhood policy is a mere stopgap until they can begin the long march towards membership.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stopgap" when you want to emphasize the temporary and often imperfect nature of a solution implemented to bridge a gap until a better or more permanent solution is available. It adds a nuance of urgency and practicality.

Common error

Avoid relying on "stopgap" repeatedly in your writing. While it's a useful term, overuse can make your solutions seem poorly planned. Try to detail steps towards a permanent fix or replace it with a more descriptive term for the temporary measure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stopgap" primarily functions as a noun or adjective, denoting something serving as a temporary substitute. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it's used to describe measures or solutions meant to fill an immediate need before a more permanent option is available. Examples from sources like The Economist illustrate this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stopgap" is a frequently used term to describe a temporary solution or measure implemented to address an immediate need. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI, its grammatical function is primarily as a noun or adjective. The register leans toward neutral to professional, and it's commonly found in news and media. While alternatives like "temporary solution" or "interim measure" exist, "stopgap" adds a nuanced sense of urgency and practicality. Avoiding overuse and ensuring clarity in expressing plans for permanent fixes are key best practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporary solution

Replaces "stopgap" with a more common and direct expression.

interim measure

Offers a more formal alternative, emphasizing the temporary nature of the action.

short-term fix

Highlights the quick and temporary nature of the solution.

makeshift solution

Emphasizes the improvised and often inadequate nature of the solution.

provisional arrangement

Suggests a formal but temporary agreement or plan.

band-aid solution

Implies a superficial fix that doesn't address the underlying problem.

quick fix

Focuses on the speed and ease of implementation, often at the expense of long-term effectiveness.

temporary expedient

Highlights the practicality and convenience of the solution, even if it's not ideal.

ad hoc solution

Suggests a solution created for a specific, immediate need, without broader planning.

contingency plan

Implies a plan B put in place in case something goes wrong.

FAQs

How can I use "stopgap" in a sentence?

You can use "stopgap" to describe a temporary measure implemented until a more permanent solution is found. For example, "The temporary hiring freeze is a "stopgap" until the company's finances improve".

What are some alternatives to the word "stopgap"?

Alternatives to "stopgap" include "temporary solution", "interim measure", "short-term fix", or "makeshift solution".

Is "stopgap" formal or informal?

The term "stopgap" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific situation. It is generally considered appropriate for professional writing and discussions.

When is it appropriate to use "stopgap" over other alternatives?

Use "stopgap" when you want to emphasize that the solution is not ideal or permanent but necessary to address an immediate need. It implies a sense of urgency and practicality.