workaround for

USAGE SUMMARY

"workaround for" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically means "a solution to a problem or difficulty". For example, "The IT department came up with a workaround for the software issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

* Convince Google to provide a workaround for us (unlikely).

University of California, Berkeley

* I wrote about a workaround for that Verizon app: I use the iPhone's typing-shortcut feature.

The New York Times

The chat program was a workaround for the typical clumsiness and anxiety of adolescence.

The New York Times - Tech

She ended up devising a workaround for her patients who needed one.

The New York Times

There is a workaround for printers, for example: Why doesn't my wireless printer work on campus?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The chandra_repro script has been updated to include a workaround for this bug.

Harvard University

03 Dec 2012 Review for CIAO 4.5; removed workaround for 2005 series of files.

Harvard University

The breakthrough could provide a life-saving workaround for making modern interventions available in remote areas.

Harvard University

BKC Affiliate Valentin Weber proposes a bold censorship workaround for activists living under repressive regimes.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Workarounds for the legal problems were discussed.

The New York Times

You do have a few workarounds for sending the.exe file.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "workaround for", ensure the context clearly identifies the problem being addressed and the specific action taken to circumvent it. This prevents ambiguity and ensures the solution is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid implying that a "workaround for" is a permanent solution. It's crucial to acknowledge its temporary nature, especially in technical or procedural contexts, to manage expectations effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "workaround for" functions primarily as a noun modifier. It typically describes a temporary or alternative method used to bypass a problem or limitation. Ludwig AI indicates its consistent use across various contexts, highlighting its grammatical correctness and practical applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "workaround for" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe a method used to overcome a problem, especially when a direct solution is unavailable. Analysis from Ludwig, validated by expert review, confirms its frequent use in news, academic, and scientific contexts, with neutral formality. When using "workaround for", it's crucial to ensure clarity about the problem being addressed and to avoid overstating the permanence of the solution. Related phrases such as "alternative solution for" or "temporary fix for" can be used to provide nuance or adjust the level of formality, based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternative solution for

Replaces "workaround" with "alternative solution", emphasizing that it is another option, often implying a more conventional approach.

bypass for

Focuses on the action of circumventing an obstacle, suggesting a more direct way to avoid the problem.

temporary fix for

Highlights the temporary nature of the solution, implying that it's not a permanent resolution.

makeshift solution for

Emphasizes the improvised nature of the solution, suggesting resourcefulness in overcoming a challenge.

improvisational solution for

Similar to "makeshift solution", but puts more emphasis on the creativity required for the solution.

remedy for

Suggests a cure or means of relief, which might address a less technical context.

patch for

Implies a quick and often temporary fix, similar to a software patch.

stopgap measure for

Suggests a temporary solution used until a more permanent one can be found.

dodge for

Suggests a cunning or evasive way to avoid a problem.

circumvention of

Emphasizes the act of avoiding or going around something, often implying a rule or regulation.

FAQs

How can I use "workaround for" in a sentence?

You can use "workaround for" to describe a method used to overcome a problem or limitation, as in, "The software update introduced a bug, but we found a "temporary fix for" it".

What phrases are similar to "workaround for"?

Similar phrases include "alternative solution for", "temporary fix for", or "makeshift solution for", all suggesting ways to overcome a problem or limitation.

Is "workaround for" formal or informal?

"Workaround for" is suitable for both professional and informal contexts, though in highly formal settings, "alternative solution for" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "workaround for" and "solution for"?

A "solution for" typically implies a permanent fix, while a "workaround for" suggests a temporary or less ideal way to overcome a problem. A "workaround" is often used when a true solution is not immediately available.