a provisional question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a provisional question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is temporary or subject to change, often in a context where further clarification or information is needed. Example: "During the meeting, I raised a provisional question about the project's timeline, as I needed more details before making a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The research team developed provisional questions, which were pilot tested with four GPs (see Box 1).

Family Practice

From that, a provisional list of 47 questions and issues was made.

British Journal of Cancer

He said: 'If this is what boxing's doing, I don't want it.'" The allegations in question involve a provisional suspension – since lifted – from action by UK Anti-Doping for allegedly producing a urine sample that contained nandrolone.

The Guardian - Sport

Five questions from PAN26, 15 from LMC21 and 3 extra questions formed a provisional list of 23 items.

British Journal of Cancer

If possible, the absent member should, before the defense, submit a report containing comments, questions, and a provisional vote on the dissertation's approval.

Columbia University

If possible, the absent member should submit before the defense a report containing comments, questions, and a provisional vote on the dissertation's approval.

Columbia University

Committee members who must participate remotely are requested to submit comments, questions, and a provisional vote in advance so that the defense exercise may proceed in the event technical difficulties are encountered during the proceedings.

Columbia University

In particular, the letter said HAVA permitted a voter whose "eligibility to vote is called into question" to cast a provisional ballot.

Los Angeles Times

Recently, a novel and apparently universal theory of consciousness, which brings a provisional, though theoretical answer to the question of Sheets-Johnstone, was proposed in its latest form by Stuart Hameroff and Sir Roger Penrose (ref. 1 – this publication is hereafter sometimes referred to simply as 'Hameroff and Penrose').

Communicative and Integrative Biology

This document should also include a provisional outline of the dissertation; any questions about implementation of the project that the student would like to raise with your committee during the Portfolio Workshop; discussion of human subjects issues that pertain to the project, and formal approval by Duke's Human Subjects Committee if the project includes human subjects.

Duke University

The transcripts were coded by a member of the research team using NVIVO 7. The interview guide questions served as a provisional starting list of a priori codes by which to analyse the data.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a provisional question", ensure the context clearly indicates that the question is subject to change or refinement based on further information or developments. This avoids any confusion about the finality of the question.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a provisional question" as a definitive inquiry. Emphasize its preliminary nature to manage expectations and encourage open dialogue for further clarification or modification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a provisional question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "provisional" modifies the noun "question". The adjective indicates that the question is not final or settled, but rather subject to change or further consideration. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Academia

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Less common in

Formal & Business

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Encyclopedias

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a provisional question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a question that is not yet final and is subject to change. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and can be used effectively in various contexts, especially where issues are still under consideration. While no exact examples were found, the analysis of similar phrases indicates that it is most frequently found in science, news and media, and academic writing. When using this phrase, it's best to ensure the context indicates the question's preliminary nature to avoid misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a draft question

Uses "draft" instead of "provisional", implying the question is in an unfinished form.

a preliminary question

Substitutes "provisional" with "preliminary", indicating the question is posed at an early stage.

an initial query

Uses "initial" instead of "provisional", focusing on the question being the first one posed.

a tentative inquiry

Replaces "provisional" with "tentative", suggesting a more uncertain or hesitant question.

a hypothetical question

Replaces "provisional" with "hypothetical", implying the question is based on a hypothetical situation.

a working question

Substitutes "provisional" with "working", suggesting the question is being used as a basis for further investigation.

a trial question

Uses "trial" instead of "provisional", implying the question is being tested or used experimentally.

a speculative question

Replaces "provisional" with "speculative", suggesting the question is based on conjecture or possibility.

a suggested question

Implies the question is a proposal and not yet approved.

a possible question

Indicates that the question is one of several possibilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "a provisional question" when introducing a question that is subject to change or refinement. For example, "During the planning phase, I raised "a provisional question" regarding budget allocation, pending further financial reports."

What is an alternative to "a provisional question"?

Alternatives include "a tentative inquiry", "a preliminary question", or "a draft question". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of uncertainty you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to ask "a provisional question"?

It is appropriate to ask ""a provisional question"" when you need to raise a point for consideration but lack complete information or certainty. This allows for discussion and refinement of the question as more details emerge.

What does "provisional" mean in the context of "a provisional question"?

In this context, "provisional" means temporary, conditional, or subject to change. It indicates that the question is not final and may be modified or replaced as more information becomes available.