stopgap measure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stopgap measure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a temporary solution to a problem that can be used until a more permanent solution can be found. For example: To reduce overcrowding in the school, the board of education enacted a stopgap measure allowing only half of the student body to attend classes in the building each week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of course, this is a stopgap measure.

The New Yorker

So it's sort of a trial period, a stopgap measure".

The New York Times

Ron was a purely stopgap measure, in Kent's opinion.

The New Yorker

"The counteroffer is often just a stopgap measure".

The New York Times

Its first stopgap measure, an improvised lid, failed.

The New York Times

But cash infusion is at best a stopgap measure.

The New York Times

It was essentially a stopgap measure, a way of reducing uncertainty in an underdeveloped economic environment.

The New York Times

The government is operating under a stopgap measure that expires Nov. 16.

The New York Times

"It's a temporary, stopgap measure," Obama said when he first announced the policy.

The New Yorker

Gumbert's efforts in Iowa, which began last August, were something of a stopgap measure.

The New Yorker

"It's a stopgap measure until Massata Fashions gets going again," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "stopgap measure" with a timeframe or condition. For example, "as a stopgap measure until funding is secured", to clarify its limited duration or the circumstances under which it applies.

Common error

Avoid treating a "stopgap measure" as a permanent solution. Ensure that stakeholders understand its temporary nature and that efforts are still focused on implementing a lasting remedy. Failing to do so can lead to future complications and a false sense of security.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stopgap measure" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object. Ludwig AI examples show it describing a temporary solution or action taken to address an immediate need until a more permanent solution can be implemented.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stopgap measure" is a noun phrase used to describe a temporary solution implemented until a more permanent solution is available. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. While it's a valuable term for describing interim actions, remember to clearly define the problem it addresses and its limited duration. Common mistakes include assuming its permanence, so it's essential to emphasize that it's a temporary solution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Interim solution

This alternative emphasizes the temporary nature of the solution, highlighting that it's meant to bridge a gap until a better option arises.

Temporary fix

This option focuses on the act of repairing something temporarily, implying that the fix is not intended to be permanent.

Provisional arrangement

This phrase suggests a formal, but not yet finalized, agreement or plan put in place for the time being.

Short-term solution

This option directly highlights the limited duration for which the solution is intended to be effective.

Makeshift solution

This suggests a solution that is created quickly, often using whatever is available, and is not intended to be long-lasting.

Band-aid solution

This alternative indicates a superficial or incomplete fix that addresses the symptoms but not the underlying problem.

Interim provision

Similar to "provisional arrangement", this phrase emphasizes the providing of something on a temporary basis.

Emergency measure

This implies that the solution is being implemented quickly to address an urgent and unexpected problem.

Expedient

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

Rough and ready solution

This alternative suggests a quick and practical but not necessarily elegant or refined solution.

FAQs

How can I use "stopgap measure" in a sentence?

You can use "stopgap measure" to describe a temporary solution implemented until a more permanent solution is available. For example: "The city implemented a rent freeze as a "stopgap measure" until the new affordable housing project is completed."

What are some alternatives to "stopgap measure"?

Some alternatives to "stopgap measure" include "interim solution", "temporary fix", or "provisional arrangement". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "stop-gap measure" the same as "stopgap measure"?

Yes, "stop-gap measure" and "stopgap measure" are essentially the same. The hyphenated version is also acceptable, but the unhyphenated form is becoming more common. Both refer to a temporary solution.

When is it appropriate to use a "stopgap measure"?

A "stopgap measure" is appropriate when an immediate solution is needed to address a problem, but a permanent solution requires more time or resources to implement. It's crucial to acknowledge its temporary nature and continue working towards a long-term resolution.