temporary basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "temporary basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or arrangement that is not permanent and is intended to last for a limited time. Example: "The employee will be hired on a temporary basis to help with the project during the busy season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're only there on a temporary basis.

The New York Times

The rules will be introduced on a temporary basis, and without consultation, on 6 April.

The Guardian - Money

Len Wardle is being replaced, on a temporary basis we understand, by deputy Ursula Lidbetter.

The Guardian - Business

They were hired on a temporary basis after five Filipino workers quit, Mr. Brown said Tuesday.

The New York Times

Of course, that was on a temporary basis, as opposed to replacing an icon".

The New York Times - Sports

"We have to discover ways of loving on a strictly temporary basis".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But most museums are not willing to acquire artworks on a temporary basis, Mr. Kamansky said.

The New York Times - Arts

And any borders agreed on a "temporary" basis could turn out to last for years.

The Guardian

Announced president and general manager Lou Lamoriello will take over for Robinson on a temporary basis.

The New York Times

Following agreement among 28 governments, the trade treaty would come into force on a temporary basis.

The Guardian

Voices are provided in-house by Pixar employees, on a temporary basis.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "temporary basis", clarify the specific duration or conditions that define the temporary nature of the situation to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "temporary basis" without specifying a clear end date or condition, as this can lead to misunderstandings about the commitment's length.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "temporary basis" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the duration or condition under which an action, state, or role is valid. Ludwig's AI confirms that this phrase is frequently found modifying verbs to indicate a limited time frame. For example, "They were hired on a "temporary basis" after five Filipino workers quit."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "temporary basis" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something is not permanent. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts. It's particularly prevalent in news, business, and scientific writing. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context regarding the expected duration or conditions to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "short-term arrangement" or "provisional arrangement" depending on the desired nuance. While versatile, remember that while it's suitable for neutral communication, more formal contexts may benefit from more precise terminology.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short-term arrangement

Focuses on the limited duration of the arrangement.

provisional arrangement

Emphasizes the possibility of changes or adjustments later.

interim measure

Highlights the role as a solution until a more permanent one is found.

on a trial basis

Implies an evaluation period to assess suitability.

for a limited time

Directly states the restriction in duration.

on a short-term contract

Specifies the nature of the agreement as contractual and time-bound.

as a stopgap measure

Suggests a temporary fix to prevent disruption.

acting capacity

Used particularly when referring to a role or position.

for the time being

Indicates a current state that is subject to change.

on a caretaker basis

Implies a responsible but non-permanent handling of a situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "temporary basis" to describe something not permanent, such as "The employee was hired on a "temporary basis" to cover for someone on leave".

What are some alternatives to "temporary basis"?

Some alternatives include "short-term arrangement", "provisional arrangement", or "interim measure" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "temporary basis" over other similar phrases?

Use "temporary basis" when you want to emphasize that something is not intended to be permanent and will likely change in the future. Alternatives like "short-term" may simply focus on duration without the implication of change.

Is "temporary basis" formal or informal?

"Temporary basis" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider "provisional basis" for increased sophistication.