a preliminary response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preliminary response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an initial reply or reaction to a question, request, or situation before a more detailed or final response is provided. Example: "We appreciate your inquiry and will provide a preliminary response while we gather more information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Cable will only give a preliminary response.

The Guardian

The ruling was a preliminary response to eBay's assertion that the case should be dismissed.

The New York Times

8.56am: According to the BBC, Vince Cable will only issue a "preliminary" response to the report when he makes a statement on it in the Commons this afternoon.

The Guardian

In a preliminary response to the Human Rights Watch report, the military said the Dalu residence had been identified as "the hide-out of a senior Hamas militant" involved in launching rockets.

The New York Times

ICOMP, an anti-Google lobbying organization issued a preliminary response back in April saying its commitments were "too little, too late".

TechCrunch

Swiftly, ICOMP, one of the chief lobbying organizations fighting against the search giant, has already issued a preliminary response: Google's commitments may be "too little, too late".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Mismanagement or a delayed preliminary response can yield fatal damage to a ship, including the loss of lives.

Ocean Engineering

By simple interpolations of the fluence responses of the PTB spheres, a preliminary fluence response matrix could be established for the IPNE Bonner sphere set.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

"His preliminary response was that such a test would comply with article 22 [of the sporting regulations] providing the purpose was for Pirelli to test its tyre and he would check".

BBC

In this study, a preliminary seismic response analysis of a two-span highway bridge was performed using linear dynamic analysis procedures to identify the potential for inelastic response.

Engineering Structures

After the MTD has been reached, another 20 patients were enrolled at this dose to determine a preliminary overall response rate (ORR).

Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering "a preliminary response", clearly indicate that it is not the final or complete answer. Set expectations for a more detailed response later.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a preliminary response" as if it were a definitive answer. Always acknowledge its tentative nature to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preliminary response" functions as a noun phrase, where "preliminary" modifies "response". It describes an initial or tentative reaction. As per Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a preliminary response" is a useful way to communicate an initial reaction or answer, particularly when a more detailed or final response is pending. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal business settings. While not extremely common, the phrase is well-understood and serves to manage expectations by indicating that the current response is not the final word. When using "a preliminary response", be sure to clarify that it is subject to change or further development. Alternatives like ""an initial answer"" or ""a tentative reply"" can also be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial answer

Replaces "preliminary" with "initial", emphasizing the timing of the response as the first one.

an early reaction

Focuses on the immediacy and promptness of the response.

a provisional answer

Emphasizes that the response is subject to change or further review.

a tentative reply

Highlights the uncertainty or provisional nature of the response.

a prompt response

Stresses the speed and timeliness of the answer.

a quick feedback

Implies a rapid and informal answer.

a cursory reply

Indicates that the response is brief and not thoroughly detailed.

an immediate reaction

Highlights that response is instantaneous.

a first-blush reaction

Suggests an instinctive and immediate reaction.

a speculative response

Suggests the answer is based on conjecture rather than solid evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a preliminary response" to indicate an initial reaction or answer that might not be complete. For example, "The company issued "a preliminary response" to the allegations, promising a full investigation."

What is a good alternative to "a preliminary response"?

Consider using alternatives like "an initial answer", "an early reaction", or "a tentative reply" depending on the context and the level of certainty.

When is it appropriate to give "a preliminary response"?

It's appropriate when you need to acknowledge a query or situation quickly but don't yet have all the information needed to provide a complete answer. It sets expectations for a more detailed follow-up.

What's the difference between "a preliminary response" and "a final response"?

"A preliminary response" is an initial answer given before all information is available, while "a final response" is a complete and definitive answer based on thorough investigation and consideration.