a tentative date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tentative date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a date that is not yet confirmed and may change. Example: "We have set a tentative date for the meeting on March 15, but it may be adjusted based on availability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

He set a tentative date of mid-2011 to start pulling American troops out of Afghanistan.

The Economist

Apparently, they'd discussed it previously, and had even settled on a tentative date.

The New York Times

She also set Feb. 26 as a tentative date for a new trial.

The New York Times

The judge set March 11 as a tentative date to begin penalty hearings.

The New York Times

He set a tentative date of June 5 for the hearing.

The New York Times

A tentative "date" on New Year's Eve in Las Vegas came and went, without word from his office.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

With a tentative dating of 7000 BC or older it may prove to be the oldest settlement site found so far on Orkney.

Wikipedia

The main results are a robust phylogeny of the genus Nothobranchius and a tentative dating for diversification events.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

As no fossils were available, a tentative dating analysis used minimum (1.5% per MY; [ 52]) and maximum (3.5% per MY; [ 53]) reported values for COI substitution rates of insects calibrated within the last 10 MY.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Since its release, rumors were circulated that the game was to be re-released by Sony as a Greatest Hits title, the tentative date being around July 30 , 2001

Wikipedia

The company did not announce a tentative release date for the new game.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tentative date", always communicate the possibility of changes to avoid misunderstandings. Be clear about the factors that could influence the final date.

Common error

Avoid treating a tentative date as a fixed commitment. Clearly state that the date is subject to change, especially in formal communications, to manage expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tentative date" functions as a noun phrase acting as an object or complement in a sentence. It refers to a date that is proposed or planned but not yet definite. Ludwig provides many examples of the phrase being used in this way.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tentative date" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a date that is planned but not yet confirmed. According to Ludwig, this phrase frequently appears in "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Formal & Business" contexts. It's essential to communicate clearly that the date is subject to change to avoid misunderstandings. Alternatives include "a provisional date" or "a preliminary date". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the phrase while managing expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a provisional date

Replaces "tentative" with "provisional", indicating a similar level of uncertainty but implying a more formal arrangement.

a preliminary date

Uses "preliminary" instead of "tentative", meaning initial or preparatory.

an unconfirmed date

Explicitly states the date lacks confirmation.

a speculative date

Replaces "tentative" with "speculative", suggesting the date is based on conjecture rather than firm planning.

an estimated date

Replaces "tentative" with "estimated", implying the date is a rough calculation.

a possible date

Uses "possible" instead of "tentative", indicating the date may or may not occur.

a planned date

While "planned" suggests intention, the context often implies it's not yet fully confirmed.

a scheduled date

Similar to "planned", but often requires further confirmation.

a target date

Specifies a goal or aim, but acknowledges potential adjustments.

a floating date

Implies the date is subject to change and not firmly fixed.

FAQs

What does "a tentative date" mean?

A "tentative date" refers to a date that is planned or suggested but not yet confirmed or finalized. It's subject to change based on various factors.

How can I use "a tentative date" in a sentence?

You might say, "We've set "a tentative date" for the launch, but it depends on the weather" or "The judge set "a tentative date" for the hearing in March."

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

Alternatives include "a provisional date", "a preliminary date", or "an estimated date depending on the context".

Is it appropriate to make plans based on "a tentative date"?

Yes, but make sure to acknowledge that plans are subject to change until the date is confirmed. Communicate clearly that the date is not final.