a provisional date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a provisional date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a date that is temporary or subject to change, often in planning or scheduling contexts. Example: "We have set a provisional date for the meeting, but it may be adjusted based on availability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

That gives us a provisional date of 14 July.

The Guardian

Deutsche Post has set a provisional date of Nov. 6 for its initial public offering.

The New York Times

The British grand prix at Silverstone has been included on the 2002 formula one world calendar as a provisional date for the second year running.

The Guardian - Sport

Judge Haworth gave a provisional date of 5 May for the beginning of the crown court trial which will take place in Cambridge.

The Guardian

A provisional date of March 10 has been set for his trial, which is scheduled to last up to four weeks.

Independent

A provisional date for her trial,  which is expected to last three to four weeks, has been set for 21 February next year.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

These events can be correlated with global climate change sequences to produce a provisional dating framework.

Journal of Archaeological Science

A provisional trial date was fixed for November 25.

Independent

By Feb. 28, 1941, the same agent provided a provisional launching date of May 20.

The New York Times

Judge Mr Justice Wyn Williams set a provisional trial date of 24 March during a hearing at Swansea crown court to discuss the case.

The Guardian

A provisional trial date has been set in the case of two Libyan soldiers accused of raping a man in Cambridge.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a provisional date", always communicate the possibility of changes to avoid misunderstandings. For example, state that the date is "subject to confirmation" or "liable to change."

Common error

Avoid treating "a provisional date" as a fixed commitment. Failing to emphasize its tentative nature can lead to logistical problems and disappointment if adjustments become necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a provisional date" functions as a noun phrase that typically modifies a verb or another noun. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable. It specifies a time, indicating a planned or scheduled event, but emphasizes its uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a provisional date" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a date that is subject to change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general information. When using "a provisional date", it’s important to communicate the possibility of changes clearly to avoid misunderstandings. Alternatives include "a tentative date", "a preliminary date", and "a placeholder date". Always clarify the tentative nature of the date when making plans or commitments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tentative date

Replaces 'provisional' with 'tentative', implying the date is subject to change but less formally.

a preliminary date

Uses 'preliminary' instead of 'provisional', suggesting an early or initial date that may be adjusted.

a projected date

Employs 'projected', indicating a date that is estimated or forecasted but not yet certain.

a placeholder date

Suggests the date is temporarily set as a 'placeholder' until a final decision.

a scheduled date (subject to change)

Clarifies that a date has been scheduled but explicitly states its potential for modification.

an estimated date

Uses 'estimated' instead of 'provisional', implying that the date is an approximation.

a planned date (pending confirmation)

Indicates the date is part of a plan but still awaits confirmation.

a working date

Suggests the date is being actively considered but is not yet finalized.

a possible date

Replaces 'provisional' with 'possible', indicating the date is one of several options.

a target date

Employs 'target', which means that the date is something to aim for, but it might not be achieved.

FAQs

What does "a provisional date" mean?

The phrase "a provisional date" refers to a date that is set temporarily and is subject to change. It's used when the exact date is not yet confirmed.

How do I use "a provisional date" in a sentence?

You can use "a provisional date" to indicate that an event is planned for a certain day, but that the date might be altered later. For example: "We have set "a provisional date" for the meeting, but it may be adjusted based on availability."

What can I say instead of "a provisional date"?

You can use alternatives like "a tentative date", "a preliminary date", or "a placeholder date" depending on the context.

Is it okay to make plans based on "a provisional date"?

It is generally okay to make preliminary plans, but always keep in mind that "a provisional date" is not final. Confirm the date closer to the time of the event.