a provisional time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a provisional time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a temporary or tentative period that is subject to change. Example: "We have scheduled a provisional time for the meeting, but it may be adjusted based on everyone's availability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Health Psychology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Moreno finished Sunday's ninth stage, a 104-mile mountainous ride from Antequera to Valdepenas de Jaen, with a provisional time of 4 hours 18 minutes 57 seconds.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Similarily, Balcou-Debussche and Debussche (2009) demonstrate how bodily transition into a context of provisional time (i.e., hospitalization) could be beneficial for self-management practices.

Health Psychology

Thomas is making the best of provisional time, grasping a sense of agency and maintaining pleasant activities where he can.

Health Psychology

Potential participants randomised to attend a dedicated clinic were given a provisional appointment time in their invitation letter, which they could change if required.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

These orientations to the challenges of worsening chronic illness are not mutually exclusive and Thomas's story incorporated a complex mix of adaptation, resistance, and fatalism: provisional time and fading time.

Health Psychology

But even the most contentious corporate wage slaves may not know that on Nov. 18, 1883, the country's railroad magnates, acting on the theory that they needed provisional time zones to coordinate their train schedules, seized control of the hands of time itself.

The New York Times

These workers operate under the direction of supervisors and are under contract for provisional time periods.

BMC Health Services Research

Significant delays in the provisional time frame guidelines were caused by 1° Regulatory aspects; 2° Insurance modalities; 3° Negotiation of sponsorship delegation contracts; 4° Site specific logistics for biobanking; 5° Clinical trials operational management.

BMC Cancer

The anguish of potentially being "too late" suggests revelation of being on the edge between provisional time (in which there is still hope that one can make provision) and fading time (in which there is only a limited viable future for the self).

Health Psychology

Here, as we will see, the course of the disease can be expressed in narratives structured by provisional time and, ultimately, by the revelation of fading time: both forms characterized by the closing-in of time, in terms of both scope (where time should be focused) and duration (how much time is left).

Health Psychology

A provisional claim receives "provisional time-loss" benefits paid if a final decision cannot be made within 14 days.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a provisional time", always clarify the conditions or criteria that would lead to its adjustment or confirmation. This adds clarity and manages expectations effectively.

Common error

Avoid treating "a provisional time" as a fixed commitment. Always reinforce that it is subject to change, to prevent misunderstandings and maintain flexibility in planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a provisional time" functions as a noun phrase, where 'provisional' modifies 'time'. It indicates a period that is temporary or subject to change. Ludwig AI confirms its usability as a means of expressing a tentative schedule.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Health Psychology

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a provisional time" refers to a temporary or tentative period, open to change based on certain conditions. While grammatically correct and usable according to Ludwig AI, its frequency is rare. It's most common in science and news contexts. When using this phrase, clarify the factors influencing its potential adjustment to avoid misunderstandings. Alternatives such as "a tentative timeframe" or "a conditional period" can be used based on the specific context. Keep in mind that treating a provisional time as definite can lead to planning issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tentative timeframe

Replaces "provisional" with "tentative" and "time" with "timeframe" offering a slight variation in wording while keeping the core meaning.

a temporary duration

Substitutes "provisional" with "temporary" and "time" with "duration" to highlight the limited nature of the period.

a conditional period

Replaces "provisional" with "conditional" which emphasizes that the time is subject to certain requirements or events.

a preliminary stage

Changes the focus to a developmental phase that is not yet finalized using "preliminary" and "stage".

an interim phase

Uses "interim" to denote a time that is between two more defined periods or statuses.

a projected schedule

Emphasizes planning and estimation rather than firm commitment.

a working estimate

Highlights the aspect of approximation and the possibility of change.

a trial epoch

Indicates a period meant for testing or experimentation before a more permanent commitment.

a floating timeline

Conveys the idea of flexibility and lack of rigidity in scheduling.

a speculative interval

Implies that the time is based on assumptions and subject to considerable uncertainty.

FAQs

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

Use "a provisional time" to refer to a temporary or tentative time arrangement, like, "We have scheduled "a provisional time" for the meeting, but it depends on everyone's availability".

What's a good alternative to "a provisional time"?

Alternatives include "a tentative timeframe", "a temporary duration", or "a conditional period" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

Is "a provisional time" the same as "a definite time"?

No, "a provisional time" suggests uncertainty and the possibility of change, whereas "a definite time" implies a confirmed and unchangeable arrangement.

When should I use "a provisional time" over "a tentative time"?

Both are similar, but "a provisional time" might be preferred when the timing is dependent on certain conditions being met, while "a tentative time" simply implies it's not yet fully confirmed.