a tentative acceptance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tentative acceptance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an acceptance that is not yet final or is subject to change, often in contexts like invitations, offers, or agreements. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, we have given a tentative acceptance, pending further discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But no Protestant politician has dared to make even a tentative acceptance of Dublin's role a plank in his or her public platform.

The New York Times

A tentative acceptance of full-figured models that dates from the early 1990s is highlighted in the exhibition by the emergence of Stella Ellis, known as the first large-size model, a divalike figure who strode Jean Paul Gaultier's runway in 1992 and was featured in his ad campaign, billowy bosom exposed, hair piled high like an opera star's.

The New York Times

He submitted his application shortly thereafter, and received a tentative acceptance letter in September.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Indeed, as early tests on Friday confirmed that there was no sign of fresh oil leaking from the Deepwater Horizon rig, a sort of tentative acceptance began to take hold in New Orleans, and also across the country, that a new and more positive phase of the oil well fiasco might have begun.

The New York Times

Popper's program was attractive because it embraced the virtues of eliminativism, but the rhetoric of "bold conjectures" and "tentative acceptance" should be viewed as a way of ducking a fundamental problem that eliminativists face.

Britannica

ABUJA (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A tentative, growing acceptance of gay men and women in Nigeria offers a seed of hope, human rights campaigners said on Wednesday, in a country where the outlawing of gay sex is supported by nine in ten people, according to a new report.

Huffington Post

(b) An offer of tentative acceptance into the program neither binds USDA to acquire an easement or enter into a rental contract, nor binds the applicant to convey an easement, enter into a rental contract, or agree to restoration activities.

Cornell University

Back in 2007 foreign support for a short-lived Hamas-Fatah unity agreement evaporated when Hamas equivocated over whether its tentative acceptance of past agreements made by the Palestine Liberation Organisation PLOO), the national umbrella group, meant it actually recognised Israel.

The Economist

And overcoming an insistent cell phone during her final moments of hurt rage, confusion and tentative acceptance, Ms. Heche elevated Catherine to near-tragic status.

The New York Times

(a) Based on the priority ranking, NRCS or FSA, as appropriate, will notify applicants in writing of their tentative acceptance into the program for either rental contract or conservation easement options.

Cornell University

That criterion was linked to his reconstruction of scientific reasoning: science, he claimed, consists of bold conjectures that scientists endeavour to refute, and the conjectures that survive are given tentative acceptance.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tentative acceptance" to convey that an agreement or approval is not yet final and may be subject to change or further review. It's useful when outlining expectations that may shift.

Common error

Avoid using "a tentative acceptance" when a firm commitment is required. If the situation demands a definitive 'yes' or 'no', seek clarity before characterizing it as acceptance, even tentatively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tentative acceptance" functions as a noun phrase. It denotes a state of conditional or provisional agreement, highlighting that the acceptance is not yet final or fully confirmed. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tentative acceptance" is a noun phrase used to express a conditional or provisional agreement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. While not highly frequent, it finds appropriate usage across news, academic, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you are conveying that the acceptance is not yet final and might be subject to change. Alternatives like "a provisional acceptance" or "a conditional acceptance" can also be used to express a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a provisional acceptance

Emphasizes that the acceptance is subject to change or confirmation.

a conditional acceptance

Highlights that the acceptance depends on certain conditions being met.

a qualified acceptance

Indicates that the acceptance comes with reservations or limitations.

a preliminary acceptance

Suggests that the acceptance is an initial step and may not be final.

a hesitant agreement

Conveys a lack of enthusiasm or certainty in the agreement.

a guarded endorsement

Implies careful consideration and a degree of caution in supporting something.

a soft approval

Suggests a mild or understated form of approval.

an uncertain welcome

Indicates that the acceptance is not fully enthusiastic or assured.

an incomplete concession

Suggests that not all the demands or requirements have been fully met.

a partial ratification

Suggests that only a portion of something has been approved or accepted.

FAQs

How can "a tentative acceptance" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a tentative acceptance" to indicate that something is not yet fully approved. For example, "The committee gave "a tentative acceptance" to the proposal, pending further revisions".

What is a good alternative to "a tentative acceptance"?

Alternatives include "a provisional acceptance" or "a conditional acceptance", both suggesting the acceptance depends on certain factors.

Is "a tentative acceptance" formal or informal?

"A tentative acceptance" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in professional or academic settings than in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "a tentative acceptance" and "a full acceptance"?

"A tentative acceptance" implies that the agreement is not final and may be subject to change, while "a full acceptance" indicates a complete and unconditional agreement.