a tentative contract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tentative contract" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a contract that is not yet finalized or is subject to change pending further negotiations or conditions. Example: "We have agreed to a tentative contract, but we will need to finalize the details before it is officially signed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Delta's pilots reached a tentative contract on April 22.

The New York Times

They reached a tentative contract earlier this month.

The New York Times

UAL reached a tentative contract agreement with its pilots union last weekend.

The New York Times

The carrier and negotiators for its pilots union agreed on a tentative contract last month.

The New York Times

The two sides ultimately reached a tentative contract that was ratified by the union.

The New York Times

In 1942, the government engaged in a tentative contract with Roberts for full disclosure of the D.R. invention.

Columbia University

American Airlines said Friday that it had reached a tentative contract agreement with about 10,600 ground workers.

The New York Times

A11 Tentative Pact for Delta Pilots Delta Air Lines reached a tentative contract agreement with the union representing its pilots.

The New York Times

Delta Air Lines and its pilots reached a tentative contract settlement one week before a strike deadline.

The New York Times

Ohio State University reached a tentative contract agreement with an employees' union today that could end a four-day strike.

The New York Times

The union representing 400 workers at three Yeshiva University campuses announced yesterday that it had reached a tentative contract settlement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tentative contract", ensure the context clearly indicates what steps are needed to finalize the agreement. Mention any outstanding conditions or required approvals.

Common error

Avoid treating "a tentative contract" as a done deal. Prematurely acting as if the contract is final can lead to complications if the agreement falls through.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tentative contract" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., reached, agreed to) or the subject of a clause. It refers to an agreement that is not yet finalized and is subject to further negotiation or approval. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a tentative contract" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to an agreement not yet finalized and still subject to changes or approvals. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, business, and formal discussions. When writing, it's important to ensure clarity about the conditions needed to finalize the agreement and to avoid treating the agreement as a done deal prematurely. Related phrases include "a provisional agreement" and "a preliminary contract", which offer slight variations in emphasis. This expression is very frequent in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a provisional agreement

Emphasizes the conditional and temporary nature of the agreement, suggesting it's subject to change.

a preliminary contract

Highlights that the contract is in the early stages of development and may require further refinement.

an unconfirmed agreement

Focuses on the lack of formal confirmation or ratification of the agreement.

a draft contract

Indicates that the contract is still being worked on and is not yet in its final form.

a proposed contract

Highlights that the contract has been suggested but not yet agreed upon.

a contract in principle

Suggests that the main points of the contract have been agreed upon, but details still need to be worked out.

a working agreement

Implies a practical, ongoing agreement that might not be fully formalized.

a conditional contract

Stresses that the contract's validity depends on certain conditions being met.

an interim agreement

Highlights the agreement as a temporary solution until a more permanent one can be reached.

a trial contract

Suggests that the contract is being tested or evaluated before being made permanent.

FAQs

How is "a tentative contract" typically used in a sentence?

It's used to describe an agreement that is not yet final. For instance, "The union reached "a tentative contract" with the company, but the members still need to ratify it."

What are some alternatives to using "a tentative contract"?

You can use phrases like "a provisional agreement", "a preliminary contract", or "an unconfirmed agreement" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes "a tentative contract" from a final contract?

"A tentative contract" is subject to change or cancellation, pending further approvals or negotiations. A final contract, on the other hand, is binding and enforceable.

Is it appropriate to rely on the terms of "a tentative contract" before it's finalized?

Generally, no. It's risky to make significant decisions based solely on "a tentative contract" because the terms could change or the agreement could fall apart. Wait until the contract is fully executed.