temporary reprieve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "temporary reprieve" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a temporary postponement or relief from something, often a negative situation or consequence. Example: The company was facing bankruptcy, but they were granted a temporary reprieve when their major investor decided to inject more funds into the business. In this sentence, "temporary reprieve" is used to describe the company's short-term relief from their financial struggles.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That gave the oxen a temporary reprieve.

The New York Times

But that's only a temporary reprieve.

The New Yorker

Eliminating alcohol granted only a temporary reprieve.

The New York Times

This is only a temporary reprieve".

The New York Times

Jets fans get a temporary reprieve from blackout worries.

The New York Times - Sports

He granted Mr. Haugen what he called a temporary reprieve.

The New York Times

But the hospital gave the patients a temporary reprieve.

The New York Times - Health

For City, however, it was only a temporary reprieve.

The Guardian - Sport

But Knight knows it is a temporary reprieve.

The New York Times - Sports

Death penalty opponents were cheered by the temporary reprieve.

The New York Times

Sadly it proved to be only a temporary reprieve.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "temporary reprieve" when you want to emphasize that a positive change or relief is not permanent and the underlying issue is likely to resurface. For example, "The ceasefire offered a "temporary reprieve", but tensions remained high".

Common error

Avoid using "temporary reprieve" when the situation suggests a lasting solution. This phrase is specifically for short-term relief and can be misleading if applied to something more permanent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "temporary reprieve" functions as a noun phrase, where "temporary" modifies the noun "reprieve". As Ludwig AI explains, it is used to denote a short-lived suspension or postponement of something negative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "temporary reprieve" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies a short-term relief from an adverse situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, conveying that while there is a break in a negative event, it is not a lasting solution. When writing, remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize the non-permanent nature of a positive shift. Consider using alternatives like "brief respite" or "short-term relief" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief respite

Replaces "temporary" with "brief" and "reprieve" with "respite", both suggesting a short period of relief.

short-term relief

Emphasizes the limited duration of the alleviation.

provisional stay

Highlights the conditional and temporary nature of the suspension.

interim postponement

Focuses on the act of delaying something for a limited time.

momentary easement

Suggests a fleeting period of reduced pressure or difficulty.

transient abatement

Emphasizes the temporary decrease in intensity or severity.

passing lull

Implies a brief period of calm or inactivity in a turbulent situation.

limited suspension

Highlights that the suspension is restricted in scope and duration.

short-lived grace period

Suggests a brief interval where penalties or negative consequences are waived.

fleeting intermission

Focuses on the short duration of the break or pause.

FAQs

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

You can use "temporary reprieve" to describe situations where there is a short-term relief from a negative situation. For instance: "The rain provided a "temporary reprieve" from the summer heat".

What are some alternatives to "temporary reprieve"?

Alternatives include "brief respite", "short-term relief", or "provisional stay" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a permanent temporary reprieve"?

No, "permanent temporary reprieve" is contradictory. "Temporary" implies a limited duration, while "permanent" implies forever. You should choose one or the other.

What's the difference between "temporary reprieve" and "permanent solution"?

"Temporary reprieve" refers to a short-term relief from a problem, suggesting the problem will likely return. A "permanent solution" is a long-lasting fix that resolves the problem completely.