B2 Collocation Neutral 2 min de lectura

short term

قصير الأجل

Use `short term` to describe temporary situations or goals that happen in the immediate future.

En 15 segundos

  • Refers to a brief period of time or immediate future.
  • Commonly used for temporary plans, goals, or solutions.
  • Acts as an adjective to describe things that won't last.

Significado

This phrase describes something that happens over a very brief period or is only intended to last for a little while.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Discussing a temporary job

I just took a short-term contract until the end of the summer.

I just took a short-term contract until the end of the summer.

💼
2

Forgetting where you put your phone

My short-term memory is terrible today; I can't find my keys!

My short-term memory is terrible today; I can't find my keys!

😄
3

Planning a small diet

Cutting out sugar is just a short-term goal for this week.

Cutting out sugar is just a short-term goal for this week.

😊
🌍

Contexto cultural

In modern corporate culture, 'short-term' thinking is often criticized as being shortsighted, yet it remains the primary way businesses measure success through quarterly reports. The phrase gained massive popularity in the mid-20th century with the rise of modern economics and psychology.

💡

The Hyphen Rule

Use a hyphen (`short-term`) when it's before a noun, but no hyphen when saying `in the short term`.

⚠️

Don't sound lazy

In a job interview, don't focus only on `short-term goals`. Employers want to see you have a long-term vision too!

En 15 segundos

  • Refers to a brief period of time or immediate future.
  • Commonly used for temporary plans, goals, or solutions.
  • Acts as an adjective to describe things that won't last.

What It Means

Short term refers to things happening right now or very soon. It is about the immediate future. Think of it as a sprint, not a marathon. If a plan lasts a few days or weeks, it is short term. It is the opposite of forever.

How To Use It

You usually use it as an adjective before a noun. You might talk about a short-term goal or a short-term memory. Sometimes people use a hyphen when it comes before a noun. It helps describe things that are temporary or quick fixes. It is very common in business and personal planning.

When To Use It

Use it when discussing temporary living situations, like an Airbnb. Use it at work for projects ending this month. It is great for talking about quick health symptoms. Use it when you are dating but not looking for marriage. It works perfectly for financial investments that you sell quickly.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it for permanent life changes. If you are moving forever, do not say it is short term. Avoid it when talking about deep, lifelong friendships. It sounds a bit cold for emotional commitments. Do not use it for things that take years to finish. It implies a lack of long-term vision if used too much.

Cultural Background

Western culture often focuses on short-term results and quick wins. In the US, the stock market is obsessed with short-term profits. This can be a point of stress for many workers. People often joke about having a short-term memory when they lose their keys. It reflects a fast-paced, modern lifestyle where everything moves quickly.

Common Variations

You will often hear in the short term. This means 'for the time being' or 'right now'. Another variation is short-termism. This is a critique of people who only look at immediate gains. You might also hear short-term rental in the housing market. It is a very flexible and common phrase.

Notas de uso

The phrase is highly versatile and fits into almost any register. Just remember to use the hyphen when it functions as a compound adjective before a noun.

💡

The Hyphen Rule

Use a hyphen (`short-term`) when it's before a noun, but no hyphen when saying `in the short term`.

⚠️

Don't sound lazy

In a job interview, don't focus only on `short-term goals`. Employers want to see you have a long-term vision too!

💬

The 'Goldfish' Joke

English speakers often joke they have the `short-term memory` of a goldfish if they forget something within seconds.

Ejemplos

6
#1 Discussing a temporary job
💼

I just took a short-term contract until the end of the summer.

I just took a short-term contract until the end of the summer.

Describes a job that has a specific, near end date.

#2 Forgetting where you put your phone
😄

My short-term memory is terrible today; I can't find my keys!

My short-term memory is terrible today; I can't find my keys!

A common humorous way to complain about forgetfulness.

#3 Planning a small diet
😊

Cutting out sugar is just a short-term goal for this week.

Cutting out sugar is just a short-term goal for this week.

Focuses on a small, manageable objective.

#4 Texting about a rental
😊

Are you looking for a long-term lease or something short-term?

Are you looking for a long-term lease or something short-term?

Asking about the duration of a stay.

#5 Business strategy meeting
👔

In the short term, we need to reduce our spending.

In the short term, we need to reduce our spending.

Using 'in the short term' to mean 'starting now'.

#6 Talking about a breakup
💭

It hurts now, but this is just a short-term setback for your happiness.

It hurts now, but this is just a short-term setback for your happiness.

Providing comfort by emphasizing that the pain is temporary.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the correct form to describe a temporary solution.

We need a ___ fix for the leaking pipe until the plumber arrives tomorrow.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: short-term

We use 'short-term' as an adjective with a hyphen to describe the noun 'fix'.

Complete the sentence regarding timeframes.

___, the weather looks good, but it might rain next week.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: In the short term

The standard prepositional phrase is 'In the short term' to mean 'for the immediate future'.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of 'Short-term'

Informal

Talking about forgetting things.

My short-term memory is shot.

Neutral

Daily planning or rentals.

I need a short-term rental.

Formal

Economic or medical reports.

The short-term effects of the policy.

When to use Short-term

Short-term
💰

Finance

Short-term gains

🧠

Health

Short-term memory

🏠

Housing

Short-term stay

📁

Work

Short-term project

Preguntas frecuentes

11 preguntas

It means something that lasts for a brief period, usually ranging from a few minutes to a few months. For example, a short-term goal is something you want to finish soon.

It is always two words. However, you should add a hyphen like short-term when it describes a noun that follows it.

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. You will often see it in economics or science papers, like short-term climate trends.

There is no fixed time! In finance, it might mean less than a year, but in a conversation about a party, it might mean just a few hours.

The opposite is long term. You use long term for things that last for years or a lifetime.

They are very similar, but short term usually refers to the timeframe, while temporary focuses on the fact that it will definitely end.

Not usually. We say for a short time, but we don't say 'a short-time goal.' Stick to short-term for adjectives.

It is a negative term used in business. It describes bosses who only care about making money right now instead of building a healthy company for the future.

Yes, it's very common. You might text a friend: 'I'm just looking for a short-term fix for my car.'

It can. Saying you want a short-term relationship usually means you aren't looking for anything serious or permanent.

Not exactly, but people might say quick fix or for now to mean the same thing in very casual speech.

Frases relacionadas

Long term

Occurring over or relating to a long period of time.

Short-lived

Lasting only a very short time; brief.

For the time being

Temporarily; for now.

Stopgap

A temporary way of dealing with a problem or satisfying a need.

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