a preliminary report

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preliminary report" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an initial document that presents findings or information before a final report is completed. Example: "The team submitted a preliminary report outlining the initial findings of the research study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A preliminary report.

Nature

Structural Classification - A Preliminary Report.

University of California, Berkeley

A preliminary report is expected on Thursday.

The New York Times

Think of this as a preliminary report.

The New York Times - Arts

A preliminary report is expected within days.

The Guardian - Business

Cyber-Physical Systems: A Preliminary Report".

University of California, Berkeley

The expenses regulator posted a preliminary report on its website.

The Guardian

(A preliminary report assigned no responsibility for the collapse).

The New York Times

This is a preliminary report from the courtroom.

The New York Times

Michigan's recent school finance reforms: A preliminary report.

Stanford University

Towards a Theory of Negotiation Strategy (A Preliminary Report).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a preliminary report", clarify when the final report will be available to manage expectations. This avoids confusion about the completeness of the information.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a preliminary report" as a complete and definitive analysis. Always emphasize its interim nature and potential for revisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preliminary report" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes an initial version of a formal document, presenting early findings or progress on a particular subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

29%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a preliminary report" is a common noun phrase used to describe an initial version of a report, typically found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. When using this phrase, it's important to emphasize its interim nature and avoid presenting it as a final analysis. Alternative phrases like "an initial assessment" or "a progress update" can be used depending on the context. By understanding the function, purpose, and register of this phrase, writers can effectively communicate the status of information and manage audience expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a provisional analysis

Substitutes "preliminary" with "provisional", highlighting the tentative nature of the analysis.

an initial assessment

Replaces "report" with a synonym focusing on evaluation, slightly less formal.

a draft summary

Focuses on the summarization aspect and the unfinished state of the document.

an interim finding

Highlights that the finding is temporary and subject to change.

a progress update

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the information, suitable when tracking development.

an early indication

Highlights that the information is suggestive but not definitive.

a status report

A general term for reporting on the current state of something, less specific than "preliminary".

a briefing note

More concise and less formal than a full report, suitable for quick updates.

a first look

Informal and emphasizes the initial stage of review or analysis.

a quick overview

Stresses brevity and high-level information.

FAQs

What does "a preliminary report" mean?

A "preliminary report" is an initial report presenting early findings or information that is subject to change. It's not the final or complete version.

What can I say instead of "a preliminary report"?

You can use alternatives like "an initial assessment", "a progress update", or "a draft summary" depending on the specific context.

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

While "a preliminary report" presents initial findings and is subject to revisions, a final report offers a complete and definitive analysis with all findings and conclusions.

Is it acceptable to make decisions based solely on "a preliminary report"?

It's generally not advisable to make critical decisions solely on "a preliminary report" as the information is incomplete and may change. It's best to wait for the final report or use the preliminary report as one of several inputs.