Ad hoc

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Grammarist

Ad hoc, a loanword from Latin (where it means, literally, to this), means for this specific purpose. It usually functions as an adjective preceding the noun it modifies—for example:

Every inch of green grass outside the mall had been transformed into ad hoc parking lots. [Dallas Morning News]

An ad hoc committee voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend the city implement cell phone restrictions in school zones. [Amarillo Globe-News]

Bagley is the chief transportation planner for Montgomery County and part of an ad hoc mobility task force that sprung up when the bridge closed in October … [Pottstown Mercury]

Often, verbose phrases involving ad hoc could be shortened—for example:

We have been collaborating on an ad hoc basis with [collaborating ad hoc with] Ignacio for some time. [Fresh Plaza]