Preliminarily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Preliminarily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is done as a preliminary step or in an initial stage before further action or analysis. Example: "Preliminarily, we have identified several key areas that require further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In January, headline inflation, as measured by the European Central Bank (ECB), preliminarily came in just a tad higher than last October's record low of 0.7% on a year-over-year basis.

The Economist

For the smooth working of their plan for the invasion of France, the Germans had preliminarily to reduce the ring fortress of Liège, which commanded the route prescribed for their 1st and 2nd armies and which was the foremost stronghold of the Belgian defenses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

British producers Altered Image and Berlin-based Egoli Tossell Film will co-produce the film, preliminarily titled Lust For Life written by Robin French.

Independent

In 2012, the regulatory agency began investigating the deaths of 13 people preliminarily linked to the dietary supplement 5-hour Energy, which contains caffeine among other ingredients.

Independent

In other words, the Patent Office decided — at least preliminarily — that it should never have given Apple a patent for "pinch-to-zoom" in the first place, because somebody else had already invented it.

The New Yorker

Incidentally, I understand they have three people who volunteered to stay, at least preliminarily.

The New Yorker

There is significant evidence for the latter: the '949 patent is already under reëxamination by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and it was, at one point, found to be preliminarily invalid.

The New Yorker

They asked Leon to order the government to preliminarily halt the collection of phone records while their case progresses.

The New Yorker

Having agreed with the plaintiffs that the program violated the Fourth Amendment, Leon refused to rule preliminarily on their other claims.

The New Yorker

The prosecutors, according to JPMorgan's quarterly regulatory filing in August, had "preliminarily concluded" that the bank "violated certain federal securities laws".

The New York Times

An earthquake based in Virginia, which preliminarily measured at 5.8, sent tremors that lasted 20 to 30 seconds along the East Coast, and the PGA Tour's best felt them at Plainfield.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminarily" in legal or formal documents, ensure that subsequent sections provide more detailed evidence or justifications to support the initial assessment.

Common error

Avoid presenting preliminary findings as conclusive. Always indicate that further research or investigation is needed to solidify the initial assessment. For example, do not say "The study preliminarily proves X" instead say "The study preliminarily suggests X, but further research is required."

Linguistic Context

The adverb "preliminarily" functions to modify a verb or statement, indicating that the action or conclusion is tentative or initial. This is consistent with Ludwig's examples, where "preliminarily" often precedes verbs like 'concluded', 'agreed', or 'identified'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preliminarily" is an adverb used to indicate that something is done as a preliminary step or in an initial stage, before further action or analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts. When using "preliminarily", it's crucial to avoid presenting initial findings as definitive conclusions. Alternatives such as "initially" and "at first glance" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Always ensure that subsequent information provides further support or clarification for the preliminary assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Initially

Focuses on the very first stage of an assessment or action.

At first glance

Emphasizes an immediate, superficial assessment.

To begin with

Highlights the commencement of a process or discussion.

Provisionally

Suggests a temporary arrangement subject to change.

For the time being

Indicates a temporary state or situation.

As a starting point

Emphasizes the role of something as a beginning.

In the early stages

Focuses on the initial phase of development.

On a trial basis

Highlights the experimental nature of something.

Subject to revision

Indicates that something is not yet finalized.

For now

Simple statement that an opinion may change later.

FAQs

How can I use "Preliminarily" in a sentence?

"Preliminarily" is used to indicate that something is done as a preliminary step before further action or analysis. Example: "Preliminarily, we have identified several key areas that require further investigation."

What are some alternatives to the word "Preliminarily"?

You can use alternatives like "initially", "at first glance", or "provisionally" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "Preliminarily" in writing?

Use "preliminarily" when you want to present information or conclusions that are not yet fully confirmed and may change as more data becomes available. It's suitable for reports, legal documents, and academic papers where initial findings are discussed.

What is the difference between "Preliminarily" and "Finally"?

"Preliminarily" indicates something is at an early stage and subject to change, while "finally" indicates something is at the end or has been completed. They are antonyms and should not be used interchangeably.