Grammar fix
a stopgap
temporary solution
Something used for a short time until a better or permanent solution is available.
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Hiring a contractor was a stopgap until we could find a permanent member of staff.
When my laptop broke during exams, I used my sister's old one as a stopgap until I could afford a new one.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: We need a stop gap for the problem.
Say: We need a stopgap for the problem.
'Stopgap' is normally written as one word when it means a temporary solution.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
A quick fix that works for now
How criticalNeutralDismissive
temporary solutionA solution intended to work only for a limited time.
a stopgapYou're here · Something used until a better or permanent solution is available.
a sticking-plaster solutionBritish: a temporary fix criticized for leaving underlying problems unresolved.