temporary answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "temporary answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a solution or response that is not permanent and is intended to be replaced or revised later. Example: "While we work on a more comprehensive solution, please consider this a temporary answer to your question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Israel insists that the barrier is a temporary answer to suicide bombers, and that any final border with a future Palestine will be negotiated.

The New York Times

Farrell is seen by most as a temporary answer at No12 while we wait for Manu Tuilagi but we are always waiting for Tuilagi so we need an answer that works on its own terms.

The Guardian - Sport

The 5 to 2 vote by the Controlling Board, composed mainly of a small group of lawmakers, is only a temporary answer to a question that has been roiling politics in Ohio — and other states — for more than a year.

The Washington Post

While the debate rages on, Lee has a temporary answer. .

Los Angeles Times

For the author himself, drugs were only ever a temporary answer.

Vice

When Living Apart Is The (Temporary) Answer: If there is substantial discord at home, you and your spouse may decide to live apart while you continue to work on your problems.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

So we're also looking for temporary answers, anything that will keep him here with his son — and keep other young parents here with their kids".

The New Yorker

Great was our frustration therefore when we in 2003 [2] discovered that thyroid cancer morbidity is a fractal variable powered by such complexity that we may never find a definite and enduring answer: Even the best, randomised, controlled trial comparing the incidence rate among exposed and controls can only produce temporary answers due to the complexity background.

Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology

Although the President's executive actions are set to alleviate pressures for certain immigrants and are a step in the right direction, we can't lose sight that these programs are temporary answers to an outdated system -- the only lasting solution is legislative reform.

HuffPost

The answer to that question still eludes me but I've found a temporary solution to the problem.

Huffington Post

After moving to Hollywood in 1991, he took a temporary job answering phones in the publicity department of Universal Pictures.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "temporary answer", ensure that you clarify the expected duration or conditions under which it will be replaced by a more permanent solution.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "temporary answer" as if it were a long-term solution; clearly communicate its limitations to manage expectations effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "temporary answer" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "temporary" modifies the noun "answer". It specifies that the answer provided is not intended to be permanent or long-lasting. Ludwig confirms that this is a grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "temporary answer" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a short-term or provisional solution. Ludwig's analysis of various sources indicates that it is most frequently used in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While not as common as some other phrases, it serves as a clear and effective way to communicate the limited duration of a response or solution. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about the circumstances requiring its temporary nature to manage expectations appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provisional answer

Replaces "temporary" with "provisional", emphasizing the conditional nature of the answer.

interim solution

Shifts the focus to a solution that's meant to bridge a gap until a better one is found.

stopgap measure

Highlights the function as a short-term fix used to prevent immediate problems.

short-term fix

Directly indicates a solution designed for immediate, but not lasting, relief.

makeshift answer

Suggests a solution that is created from whatever is available, often implying it is not ideal.

expedient response

Emphasizes the practicality and convenience of the answer, even if it's not perfect.

ad-hoc solution

Implies the solution was created for a specific, immediate problem and might not be reusable.

transitional solution

Positions the solution as one that helps move from one state to another, implying change.

passing response

Highlights that the answer is not durable and will disappear soon.

quick fix

A fast solution to a problem, often superficial and not addressing the root cause.

FAQs

How can I use "temporary answer" in a sentence?

You might say, "This measure is only a "temporary answer" to the budget shortfall, and we need to find a sustainable solution soon."

What are some alternatives to "temporary answer"?

You can use alternatives like "provisional answer", "interim solution", or "stopgap measure" depending on the context.

Is "temporary answer" the same as "permanent solution"?

No, a "temporary answer" is designed for short-term use, while a "permanent solution" aims to resolve an issue indefinitely.

When is it appropriate to offer a "temporary answer"?

A "temporary answer" is suitable when a problem requires immediate attention but a complete or final solution is not yet available.