a preliminary term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preliminary term" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an initial or introductory term that sets the stage for further discussion or analysis. Example: "Before we dive into the main concepts, let's define a preliminary term that will help clarify our discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In that e-mail, Mr. Tourre promised to follow up with a preliminary term sheet for the deal, and he sent it to Ms. Schwartz the next day.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A preliminary short-term perfusion culture of Hep G2 cells demonstrated that, even in a small scaffold with a small volume of around 1.3 cm3, such a 3D flow channel arrangement is necessary to allow the cells to grow and function.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

They have agreed to preliminary terms of a deal that will trim oil production, but the details remain to be determined.

Los Angeles Times

Bradley D. Blum, Burger King's chief executive, outlined the preliminary terms of the agreement yesterday in a letter that was sent to the company's franchisees.

The New York Times

The accord is about $300 million more than the preliminary terms announced last month.

The New York Times

The preliminary terms of the deal under discussion call for Disney's ABC News division and AOL Time Warner's CNN division to merge into a joint venture, two-thirds owned by AOL Time Warner and one-third owned by Disney.

The New York Times

The preliminary terms for the mattress maker's I.P.O., laid out for the first time in a regulatory filing late Friday, set a price range of $14 to $16 per share.

The New York Times

The 34-year-old Argentine legend is believed to have agreed preliminary terms with the Foxes before Nigel Pearson's dismissal as manager but is yet to sign on the dotted line following weeks of uncertainty.

Independent

After days of tense negotiations and partisan quarrelling, House Republicans came to preliminary terms with the White House and Senate Democrats over financing the government for the next six months, resolving a stubborn impasse that had threatened to disrupt federal operations across the country and around the globe.

The New York Times

By midnight on Wednesday, they agreed to preliminary terms, based on the assumption that they'd get funding from three firms.

Forbes

Among the preliminary terms that Cornwallis insisted on was the Tipu surrender two of his sons as hostages as a guarantee for his execution of the agreed terms.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a complex topic, use "a preliminary term" to define a concept in a simplified way before delving into more nuanced details. This helps the audience grasp the basics first.

Common error

Avoid treating "a preliminary term" as a definitive definition. Always clarify that it's subject to change or refinement as understanding evolves.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preliminary term" functions as a noun phrase typically used to introduce or define a concept in an initial or tentative manner. It serves to establish a basic understanding that may be refined later, as seen in the examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a preliminary term" is a noun phrase used to introduce an initial or tentative definition of a concept. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. While its frequency is rare, the phrase appears in diverse contexts, including science, news media, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, remember that it indicates a definition that may be subject to change or refinement and that is what makes it a good starting point for discussions that require complex or detailed information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tentative term

Indicates a term that is subject to change or not yet finalized, emphasizing its provisional nature.

an initial term

Focuses on the term being at the very beginning of a process or discussion.

a provisional term

Highlights the conditional or temporary nature of the term, pending further developments.

a preparatory term

Suggests that the term is part of the preparation for something more substantial.

a groundwork term

Implies that the term lays the foundation for future understanding or agreement.

a basic term

Refers to a fundamental or essential term necessary for understanding the basics.

a starting term

Emphasizes the term as the point of commencement or initiation.

an introductory term

Highlights the term's role in introducing a topic or concept.

a threshold term

Suggests the term marks a boundary or entry point into a new subject area.

a working term

Highlights that this is a term that is used during a process and is still subject to alterations.

FAQs

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

You might say, "Before discussing the specifics, let's define "a preliminary term" to ensure everyone understands the basics."

What's a good alternative to "a preliminary term"?

Consider using "an initial term", "a basic term", or "an introductory term", depending on the context.

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

"A preliminary term" is an initial definition that may change, while "a final term" is a settled and agreed-upon definition.

When is it appropriate to use "a preliminary term"?

Use "a preliminary term" when you need to establish a basic understanding of a concept early in a discussion, knowing that the definition may evolve later.