a provisional aim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a provisional aim" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a temporary or tentative goal that may change or be refined over time. Example: "Our team has set a provisional aim to increase sales by 10% in the next quarter, pending further analysis of market trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Indeed, Clarke's most distinctive claim is that Descartes's account of the mind as an immaterial substance — his famous "dualism" of the mental and the physical, sometimes known as the doctrine of "the ghost in the machine" — is at best a provisional theory, aimed at providing support for the Catholic doctrine of the immortality of the soul, and sits uneasily with many other things that he wrote.

The New Yorker

Morphoses does have a provisional air.

The New York Times - Arts

The orders were provisional, aimed at maintaining the status quo.

The New York Times

All articles returned by the database search were screened to assess relevance to the aims and a provisional reference list was compiled.

BMC Psychiatry

KISAN leaders expressed doubt about a plan attributed to the CIA in a March report by the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee for the contras to use the $100 million aid eventually to seize and hold territory, probably on the Atlantic Coast, with the possible aim of declaring a provisional government.

The Washington Post

Last week, it gave hedged approval to an American-drafted "roadmap", which aims to establish a provisional Palestinian state in 2003 and to produce a fully fledged peace agreement by 2005.

The Economist

Our aim is to propose a provisional model that can serve as a scaffold for refining and updating the network and provide a benchmark for judging the topology.

BMC Systems Biology

Our aims were to develop a provisional diagnostic model for IPF; and to establish BPR as an appropriate method for developing additional gene signatures for non-neoplastic lung disease.

BMC Medical Genomics

The meeting concluded with the creation of a provisional network of Arab science journalists that will aim to provide its members with training, skills and contacts, as well as promote the coverage of scientific issues from a development perspective.

Health Research Policy and Systems

He took aim at Mr. Chalabi's perceived ambition to take charge of a provisional government.

The New York Times

According to a provisional statement, drafted at the national convention last summer at Wayne State University in Detroit, the group aims to combat "racism and white supremacy, capitalism, patriarchy, heterosexism and transphobia, authoritarianism and imperialism".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a provisional aim", ensure the context clearly indicates that the aim is subject to change or refinement. Provide specific reasons for its tentative nature.

Common error

Avoid treating a "provisional aim" as a fixed target. Regularly reassess and adjust it based on new information or changing circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a provisional aim" functions as a noun phrase, where "provisional" modifies the noun "aim". It serves to describe the nature of the aim as temporary or subject to change. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a provisional aim" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a temporary or tentative goal. It's suitable for various contexts but is most effective when the provisional nature of the aim is clearly communicated. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable, and the related phrases provide alternatives for expressing similar meanings. Since there are few examples, it is important to use the term intentionally and ensure that the reader understands the context surrounding it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tentative goal

Replaces "provisional" with "tentative", emphasizing the uncertainty of the goal.

a temporary objective

Substitutes "provisional aim" with "temporary objective", highlighting the short-term nature.

an interim target

Uses "interim" and "target" to suggest a goal set for a limited period.

a conditional objective

Replaces "provisional" with "conditional", stressing the dependence on certain factors.

a speculative target

Uses "speculative" to indicate that the target is based on assumptions.

a trial objective

Emphasizes the experimental nature of the objective.

a preliminary intention

Highlights the initial stage of the intention.

a working hypothesis

Implies that the aim is being tested and may change.

an experimental goal

Emphasizes the exploratory nature of the goal.

a changeable target

Highlights the possibility of the target being altered.

FAQs

How can I use "a provisional aim" in a sentence?

You can use "a provisional aim" to describe a goal that is set temporarily and may be adjusted later. For example, "The company set "a provisional aim" to increase sales by 5% pending market analysis."

What are some alternatives to "a provisional aim"?

Some alternatives include "a tentative goal", "a temporary objective", or "an interim target", all of which suggest a non-permanent objective.

Is "a provisional aim" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a provisional aim" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to convey that a goal is subject to change. However, ensure the context clearly explains the reason for its provisional nature.

What's the difference between "a provisional aim" and "a definitive aim"?

"A provisional aim" implies that the goal is tentative and subject to change, while "a definitive aim" suggests a firm, unchangeable objective.