Tentative date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Tentative date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a date that is not yet confirmed and may change in the future. Example: "The tentative date for the meeting is set for March 15, but we will confirm it closer to the time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Tentative date of early 2010 is proposed.

The Guardian

Tentative date for the midterm is 10/22, and the final exam is on 12/10.

University of California, Berkeley

One tentative date is Dec. 22.

The New York Times

The tentative date for publication is Sept. 13.

The New York Times

The tentative date for publication is Sept. 13, 2013.

The New York Times

She also set Feb. 26 as a tentative date for a new trial.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

* NOTE: Starred items are tentative dates.

Columbia University

Tentative dates are: Honolulu, May 30-31; San Diego, June 6-7; Miami, June 20-21; and New York, June 23-24.

The New York Times - Sports

Director M. Campbell discussed office and lab moves and presented tentative dates for this process.

Cornell University

Democratic candidates need not worry about debates – the Democratic National Committee has yet to schedule anything beyond tentative dates in "September/October".

The Guardian

I e-mailed Norman suggesting tentative dates for a 16-day sail in early October; he wrote back asking for a $100 deposit via Western Union.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When communicating a "Tentative date", provide context about the factors that could cause it to shift, such as external approvals or project dependencies.

Common error

Avoid treating a "Tentative date" as a firm commitment. Always emphasize that it is subject to change to prevent misunderstandings and unmet expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Tentative date" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It specifies a date that is not yet definite but is being considered or planned. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

27%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Tentative date" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase used to denote a date that is planned but not yet finalized. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its utility spans various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and general informational domains. While versatile, writers should use alternatives such as "provisional date" or "estimated date" depending on the context to precisely express degrees of uncertainty or formality. Remember to manage expectations by emphasizing the non-final nature of a "Tentative date" to avoid misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Provisional date

Replaces "tentative" with "provisional", suggesting a slightly more formal tone but similar level of uncertainty.

Estimated date

Emphasizes the date is an estimation, potentially based on calculations or predictions.

Planned date

Focuses on the fact that the date is part of a plan, although still subject to change.

Possible date

Highlights the uncertainty, suggesting it's one of several possibilities.

Target date

Indicates a goal or aim for a specific date, often used in project management.

Scheduled date

Implies the date is on a schedule, but still potentially flexible.

Proposed date

Suggests the date has been put forward for consideration but not yet confirmed.

Initial date

Highlights that it is the starting date and can be subjected to change later on.

Approximate date

Emphasizes that the date is not precise but close to the actual time.

Expected date

Expresses an anticipation that something will occur around that time.

FAQs

How to use "Tentative date" in a sentence?

You can use "Tentative date" to indicate a planned date that is not yet confirmed. For example, "The "Tentative date" for the conference is November 15, but it may change depending on venue availability."

What can I say instead of "Tentative date"?

You can use alternatives like "provisional date", "estimated date", or "proposed date" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "Tentative date" and "Target date"?

"Tentative date" implies a higher degree of uncertainty and potential for change, while "target date" suggests a desired or aimed-for deadline, often in project management.

Is it appropriate to use "Tentative date" in formal communication?

Yes, "Tentative date" is appropriate for formal communication when you need to indicate that a date is not yet finalized. However, consider using a more formal alternative like "provisional date" in very formal settings.