stopgap measures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stopgap measures" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to temporary solutions or actions taken to address a problem until a more permanent solution can be implemented. Example: "The company implemented stopgap measures to ensure operations continued smoothly while they worked on a long-term strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meanwhile, stopgap measures are emerging.

The Guardian

But those are stopgap measures.

The New York Times

Little stopgap measures will not do.

The New York Times - Health

Some of the ideas seem like stopgap measures.

The New York Times

Almost every year Congress uses stopgap measures to keep the federal government open.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In the interim, Congress passed several stopgap measures to keep the government running.

The New York Times

Prosecutors and judges may use a variety of stopgap measures to address the decision, experts said.

The New York Times

We need to stop focusing on stopgap measures and develop long-term strategies.

The New York Times

Most placements were stopgap measures; the kids returned to their families.

The New York Times - Magazine

Tentative plans call for additional stopgap measures, called continuing resolutions, after that.

The New York Times

But those were just stopgap measures that offered no help for next year or beyond.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stopgap measures" when you want to clearly communicate that a solution is temporary and intended to address an immediate need while a more permanent solution is being developed.

Common error

Avoid using "stopgap measures" as a long-term strategy. While they can be useful in the short term, relying on them indefinitely can lead to inefficiencies and a failure to address underlying issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stopgap measures" functions as a noun phrase, where "stopgap" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "measures". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

16%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stopgap measures" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that refers to temporary solutions implemented to address immediate needs, as validated by Ludwig. It commonly appears in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts. While effective for short-term problem-solving, it's crucial to avoid relying on them as long-term strategies. Alternatives such as "temporary solutions" or "interim solutions" can be used depending on the specific context. Utilizing this phrase effectively involves understanding its limitations and aiming for more sustainable, long-term resolutions whenever possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporary solutions

Focuses on the time-limited aspect of the solution.

interim solutions

Emphasizes that the solution is meant to bridge a gap until something more permanent is established.

provisional measures

Highlights the conditional and unconfirmed nature of the actions taken.

short-term fixes

Directly addresses the limited duration and often implies a lack of thoroughness.

band-aid solutions

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

makeshift arrangements

Implies the use of readily available but not ideal resources to create a solution.

contingency plans

Focuses on the preparedness aspect for unexpected situations, differing from the reactive nature of "stopgap measures".

ad hoc solutions

Emphasizes that the solution is created for a specific problem and not reusable.

quick fixes

Highlights the speed of implementation over the longevity or effectiveness of the solution.

temporary expedients

Focuses on the convenience and practicality of the short-term solution.

FAQs

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

"Stopgap measures" are often implemented to address immediate needs while long-term solutions are developed. For example, "The government introduced "stopgap measures" to stabilize the economy during the crisis".

What are some alternatives to "stopgap measures"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "temporary solutions", "interim solutions", or "provisional measures".

When is it appropriate to use "stopgap measures"?

It's appropriate to use "stopgap measures" when a quick, temporary fix is needed to prevent immediate problems while a more comprehensive solution is being worked out.

Are "stopgap measures" and "quick fixes" the same thing?

While both are temporary solutions, "stopgap measures" often imply a more planned and considered approach to addressing an immediate need, whereas "quick fixes" can suggest a more hasty or superficial solution.