temporary things

USAGE SUMMARY

"temporary things" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to objects or concepts that are not permanent, or will not last long. For example, "Although it's hard to say goodbye, it's important to remember that all things in life are temporary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Ms. Rogers worries that they will become permanent, as temporary things often do.

The New York Times

"Young people shouldn't make decisions based on these temporary things," he added.

The New York Times - Style

"Many so-called temporary things, like community gardens, have become permanent fixtures after turning into a cause celebre".

The New York Times

"We work a lot with pilot projects and temporary things, so you can shake up the permanence of the city and actually offer alternatives".

The Guardian

And a short trip to my hotel — maybe four or five tube stops' worth — became, instead, an hour-long ride across the river and back, with a driver who grumbled that the preparations for the Games had been done "on the cheap," using "tents and temporary things".

The New Yorker

Assuming you use Shuffle heavily, these small fees could add up over time into several extra dollars, but if you're only planning to use it for temporary things like an online ad, it wouldn't break the bank.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"It's not a temporary thing.

The New Yorker

"It was a temporary thing".

The New York Times

"We wanted a temporary thing".

The New York Times

This is not a temporary thing.

The New York Times

Life is a beautiful, fickle, temporary thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "temporary things", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. Alternatives like "fleeting possessions" or "short-term articles" might be more appropriate depending on the nuance you want to express.

Common error

Avoid using "temporary things" when referring to phenomena that have a proven historical longevity, even if their current manifestation seems unstable. Be sure to consider the specific context and evidence before labeling something as temporary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "temporary things" functions as a noun phrase, where "temporary" modifies "things." It describes objects, concepts, or situations that are not permanent or long-lasting. As Ludwig AI highlights, this usage is grammatically correct and commonly encountered.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "temporary things" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe objects, situations, or concepts that are not permanent. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides various examples of its usage across different contexts. While suitable for general and neutral registers, it's less common in highly formal or academic writing. When choosing alternative phrases, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, such as the passing nature ("transient objects") or the short-lived importance ("ephemeral items"). Always ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transient objects

Focuses on the passing or fleeting nature of the objects.

fleeting possessions

Emphasizes the brief duration of ownership or having something.

ephemeral items

Highlights the short-lived existence or importance of the items.

short-term articles

Stresses the limited period for which the articles are intended or used.

passing fads

Implies that the things are popular for only a very short time.

momentary concerns

Shifts the focus to anxieties or worries that are only relevant for a brief period.

interim measures

Refers to actions taken as a temporary solution until a more permanent one is established.

provisional arrangements

Highlights the tentative and non-final nature of the arrangements.

stopgap solutions

Suggests the things serve as temporary fixes to a problem.

impermanent fixtures

Emphasizes that the fixtures are not designed to last indefinitely.

FAQs

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

You can use "temporary things" to refer to items, situations, or feelings that are not permanent. For example, "Let's not dwell on the specifics of "temporary things" or the pulp of last night's gossip."

What are some synonyms for "temporary things"?

Synonyms for "temporary things" include "transient objects", "fleeting possessions", or "ephemeral items". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "temporary things" or "temporary items"?

Both "temporary things" and "temporary items" are grammatically correct and usable. The choice depends on your preference and the specific context. "Items" is generally more specific and concrete, while "things" can be more abstract.

What's the difference between "temporary things" and "transitory things"?

"Temporary things" refers to items or situations that are not meant to last for a long time. "Transitory things" also implies impermanence but often suggests a more inherent or natural fleeting quality.