Meaning & use
for the interim
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
for a temporary period until something permanent is arranged
Grammar: Used as an adverbial phrase, often at the end of a sentence.
Patterns
- for the interim
- appointed for the interim
She will lead the department for the interim while they search for a permanent director.
The company hired a consultant for the interim to handle the project.
We can use this office for the interim until the new building is ready.
Common combinations
- for the interim period
- During the interim period, the old rules still apply.
- for the interim only
- This solution is for the interim only; we need a permanent fix.
- serve for the interim
- He agreed to serve for the interim as CEO.
Synonyms and how they differ
- temporarily
- A more general adverb meaning 'for a limited time'; 'for the interim' is more formal and often implies an arrangement until something permanent is ready.
- for the time being
- Means 'for now'; similar but more common in everyday speech, while 'for the interim' is more formal.
Opposites
Commonly confused: for the interim or in the interim?
for the interim vs in the interim
'In the interim' means 'during the time between two events' (e.g., 'In the interim, we waited'). 'For the interim' means 'for a temporary period'.
Practice
The manager will be in charge ______ while the company looks for a permanent replacement.
Choose one answer.
'For the interim' means 'for a temporary period', which fits here. 'In the interim' means 'during the time between two events', which would not make sense in this context.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “for the interim”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.