temporary assignment

USAGE SUMMARY

"temporary assignment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a task or job that is only for a limited period of time. Example: He was given a temporary assignment to oversee the construction project, which lasted only three months.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He is on temporary assignment in London.

The New York Times

"I really came into Zabar's as a temporary assignment".

The New York Times

Is it a temporary assignment?' " said Kimberly Kuresman, a Microsoft spokeswoman.

The New York Times

The D.E.A. said Mr. Watson was on a temporary assignment in Bogotá.

The New York Times

On Sept. 11, she boarded American Airlines Flight 11 for California, where she had been sent on temporary assignment.

The New York Times

Tom Korologos, a well-connected Republican lobbyist in Washington, recently took a temporary assignment as a senior counsellor to Bremer.

The New Yorker

But UPS told Young she could not continue in her job and did not qualify for a temporary assignment.

The Guardian

Normally, officials in the office of buildings say, a custodian averages one temporary assignment every two years.

The New York Times

About six months ago I returned to a previous position after a temporary assignment in another department.

The Guardian - Money

Siegfried's first temporary assignment ended up lasting for two years.Such needs, it turned out, are not uncommon.

The Economist

Some members of the Secretariat are engaged on permanent contracts, but others serve on temporary assignment from their national governments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "temporary assignment", be clear about the duration and specific responsibilities involved.

Common error

Avoid language that suggests a "temporary assignment" is a guaranteed path to a permanent position unless that is explicitly stated. Manage expectations by underscoring the limited duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "temporary assignment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It identifies a specific type of work or duty that is not permanent in nature. Ludwig provides several examples showcasing its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "temporary assignment" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a job or task that has a limited duration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as in formal business contexts. When using this phrase, clarity regarding the role's duration and responsibilities is crucial. While it is often used correctly, avoid implying permanence unless it is explicitly guaranteed. Alternatives such as "short-term task" or "interim role" can provide nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short-term task

Focuses on the duration of the task being limited.

interim role

Implies a position filled temporarily until a permanent replacement is found.

contract position

Highlights the contractual nature of the work.

fixed-term appointment

Emphasizes that the appointment has a defined end date.

time-limited project

Refers to a specific project with a set timeframe.

acting capacity

Suggests someone is filling in temporarily for another person.

seasonal employment

Highlights the dependence on a specific season.

contingency work

Emphasizes the work is dependent on certain conditions or needs.

ad hoc duty

Highlights the task is specific and not a standard procedure.

project-based work

Indicates work related to a project's duration.

FAQs

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

"Temporary assignment" refers to a job or task that is not permanent. For example: "She accepted a "temporary assignment" in London."

What's the difference between "temporary assignment" and a "permanent position"?

A "temporary assignment" is for a limited time, while a "permanent position" is intended to be ongoing and indefinite.

What are some alternatives to "temporary assignment"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "short-term task", "interim role", or "contract position".

Is it correct to use "temporary assignment" in a formal context?

Yes, "temporary assignment" is appropriate for formal and professional communication. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.