a preliminary concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preliminary concept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an initial idea or plan that is subject to further development or refinement. Example: "Before we move forward with the project, let's discuss a preliminary concept to ensure we are all on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

A preliminary concept was forming in my mind.

The New York Times

Here's how Besser describes the process of interpreting basic science through moving images and an ample dose of humor: There is a preliminary concept meeting at the start.

The New York Times

We also present a preliminary concept approach for developing a reagent placing device with simple and inexpensive features.

Talanta

We also present a preliminary Concept of Operations (ConOps) study based on a set of notional rover capabilities and instrumental payload.

Advances in Space Research

Possible candidate orbits that exploit the binary nature of the system are identified and traded off to produce a preliminary concept of operations.

Advances in Space Research

Results are also given of a preliminary concept demonstrator which is based on a simple 2-Degrees-Of-Freedom (DOF) Revolute Revolute (RR) manipulator incorporating the programmable brakes.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

This paper therefore defines firstly a mission to remove at least five large objects and secondly introduces a preliminary autonomy concept fitted for this mission.

Acta Astronautica

This study provides a preliminary design concept for utilizing the nitrided Ni foam as a promising cost-effective counter electrode that does not require expensive Pt and TCO.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The target of a preliminary blanket concept design study at the first stage is to promote the performance of breeding blanket in preference to any other.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Toluene, ethanol, methanol, acetone, cyclopentane and water steam have been considered possible choices for a preliminary ORC concept, based on the prescribed boundary conditions, and have been evaluated in the heat sink study reported in the next section.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

A preliminary blanket concept under consideration in the K-DEMO is based on a water-cooled ceramic blanket with lithium orthosilicate (Li4SiO4) as breeder, beryllium (Be) as neutron multiplier, and reduced activation ferritic-martensitic (RAFM) steel as structural material.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a preliminary concept", clearly state that it is subject to change and further development to avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid treating "a preliminary concept" as a fully developed plan. Make it clear that it's an initial idea, not a finalized strategy, to manage expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preliminary concept" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It introduces an initial idea or plan that is subject to further development, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a preliminary concept" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that introduces an initial idea or plan, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently found in scientific, news, and business contexts, signaling that the idea is subject to further development and refinement. When using this phrase, it’s important to clarify that it's not a final plan to avoid misunderstandings. Alternatives such as "an initial concept" or "a draft concept" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial concept

Focuses on the idea being at the very beginning stage.

a draft concept

Emphasizes the idea as being incomplete and subject to changes.

a basic concept

Highlights the fundamental nature of the idea.

a tentative concept

Stresses the uncertainty and potential for revision.

an early concept

Indicates that the idea is in its early phases of development.

a rudimentary concept

Suggests the idea is simple and undeveloped.

a starting concept

Implies the idea serves as a foundation for further development.

a conceptual framework

Refers to a structured outline of the concept.

a proposed concept

Highlights the concept as being put forward for consideration.

a theoretical concept

Implies the concept is based on theory rather than practical application.

FAQs

How can I use "a preliminary concept" in a sentence?

You can use "a preliminary concept" to introduce an initial idea or plan. For example, "Let's discuss "a preliminary concept" for the project before proceeding further."

What are some alternatives to saying "a preliminary concept"?

Alternatives include "an initial idea", "a draft concept", or "a basic concept" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to present "a preliminary concept" in a formal setting?

Yes, it is appropriate, but ensure you clarify that it is still under development and open to feedback. Present it as "a tentative concept" or "a proposed concept" to manage expectations.

How does "a preliminary concept" differ from a final concept?

"A preliminary concept" is an initial, underdeveloped idea, while a final concept is a fully refined and detailed plan ready for implementation. A preliminary concept is subject to changes, whereas a final concept is typically more concrete.