stopgap solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stopgap solution" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a temporary or makeshift solution that is used to address a problem until a more permanent solution can be implemented. Example: The company faced a budget shortfall and implemented a stopgap solution by cutting non-essential expenses until they could secure additional funding.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

It is a stopgap solution.

The New York Times

Charity can never be more than a stopgap solution.

The New Yorker

However, the trust now feels more like a stopgap solution.

The Guardian

But, like fracking, he says, it offers only "a stopgap" solution.

The Guardian

Burke, therefore, could represent a stopgap solution for the Rangers, and would probably not come at too much cost.

The New York Times - Sports

But that is at best a stopgap solution, because it does nothing to address the structural weaknesses of the eurozone.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Stopgap solutions are imposing an educational cost.

The New York Times

Leading manufacturers spent 2008 looking for stopgap solutions to their longer-term woes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unlike Argentina, which depended on foreign capital to balance its books, Japan is expected to work out stopgap solutions within the family.

The New York Times

The Mets can be satisfied with these stopgap solutions because they have an abundance of promising prospects lining up for a chance to prove their worth.

The New York Times - Sports

PAGE A12 States Struggle on Budgets For the 17th time in 25 years, California began a fiscal year without a state budget, while other states met their budget deadlines with stopgap solutions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stopgap solution", clearly indicate the problem it is temporarily addressing and, if possible, the plans for a more permanent resolution. This provides context and manages expectations.

Common error

Avoid portraying a "stopgap solution" as inherently weak or inadequate. While temporary, it can be a crucial and effective measure when implemented strategically to buy time or mitigate immediate concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stopgap solution" functions as a noun phrase, where "stopgap" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "solution". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used. It describes a solution intended to serve as a temporary measure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stopgap solution" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe a temporary fix implemented to address an immediate problem, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, it effectively conveys the non-permanent nature of a solution. While not inherently negative, it's essential to clarify the temporary nature and the plans for a more lasting resolution when using this phrase. Alternatives like "temporary fix" or "interim measure" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporary fix

Focuses on the temporary nature of the solution, omitting the broader implications.

interim solution

States that it is an accepted and official solution for the time between two events.

interim measure

Highlights the solution's role as a measure taken in the meantime, suitable for formal contexts.

patch solution

Indicates that it is a short term resolution to a problem or gap in the meantime.

provisional arrangement

Emphasizes the conditional and changeable nature of the solution.

substitute solution

Indicates that it is a temporary solution to replace an inadequate permanent plan.

makeshift remedy

Suggests a solution that is created from whatever is available, often implying a lack of ideal resources.

short-term expedient

Focuses on the practical and immediate advantages of the solution, potentially at the expense of long-term considerations.

band-aid approach

Implies the solution is superficial and doesn't address the underlying problem.

quick fix

Highlights the speed and ease of implementation, potentially downplaying the thoroughness of the solution.

FAQs

What is the difference between a "stopgap solution" and a permanent one?

A "stopgap solution" is a temporary fix implemented to address an immediate need or problem, while a permanent solution aims to resolve the issue completely and for the long term. A "temporary fix" buys time until a more thorough resolution can be developed and implemented.

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

You can use "stopgap solution" to describe a temporary measure taken to address a problem until a better or more permanent solution is found. For example, "The government implemented a "stopgap solution" to address the immediate housing crisis".

What are some alternatives to "stopgap solution"?

Alternatives include "temporary fix", "interim measure", or "provisional arrangement". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is a "stopgap solution" always a bad thing?

Not necessarily. While it's not ideal as a long-term approach, a "stopgap solution" can be a practical and necessary measure when facing urgent problems or when a permanent solution requires more time and resources to develop. It allows for immediate action while preventing further escalation of the issue.