a tentative explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

"a tentative explanation" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used when presenting a possible explanation for something, but without being fully confident or certain about it. Here is an example: "The scientists offered a tentative explanation for the unusual behavior of the birds, but further research is needed to confirm their theory."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A tentative explanation is presented.

Surface and Coatings Technology

We propose a tentative explanation.

Polymer

A tentative explanation for the modification process is proposed.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The science detectives began forming a tentative explanation.

The New York Times - Science

This paper shall provide a tentative explanation on this experimentally observed linear relationship.

Microelectronics Reliability

HYPOTHESIS implies insufficient evidence to provide more than a tentative explanation.

Cornell University

A tentative explanation is offered for the observed features based on flow-visualization studies.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

We use a neurobiological model of serial order processing to provide a tentative explanation for the data.

NeuroImage

Surprisingly, a tentative explanation is that the decrease in H3K9 trimethylation during latency is a sign of reactivation (Fig. 8).

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A second tentative explanation given by Piotrowska et al. (2017) that a part of the recoil energy might be transferred to the entire nanoparticle is more unlikely.

EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry

Hence, hypotheses differ fundamentally from theories; whereas the former is a specific tentative explanation and serves as the main tool by which scientists gather data, the latter is a broad general explanation that incorporates data from many different scientific investigations undertaken to explore hypotheses.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tentative explanation", clearly state that it's not a definitive answer and may require further investigation or evidence. This manages expectations and maintains credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a tentative explanation" as a confirmed fact. Ensure your language reflects the uncertainty inherent in the explanation to prevent misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tentative explanation" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a provisional or speculative account of a phenomenon, as confirmed by Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

90%

Encyclopedias

5%

News & Media

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tentative explanation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that introduces a preliminary or speculative account of a phenomenon. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly employed across various scientific publications and academic contexts, denoting a hypothesis or an initial understanding that requires further investigation. The phrase appears more often in science, encyclopedias and news domains, signaling its prevalence in research and analytical discussions. When using this phrase, it's essential to clearly state that it's not a definitive answer and may require further investigation or evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a provisional explanation

Replaces "tentative" with "provisional", emphasizing the temporary nature of the explanation.

a speculative explanation

Substitutes "tentative" with "speculative", highlighting the conjectural aspect of the explanation.

a hypothetical explanation

Replaces "tentative" with "hypothetical", focusing on the explanation being based on a hypothesis.

a possible explanation

Substitutes "tentative" with "possible", indicating that the explanation is one potential option among others.

a proposed explanation

Replaces "tentative" with "proposed", suggesting that the explanation is being put forward for consideration.

a preliminary explanation

Replaces "tentative" with "preliminary", denoting that the explanation is an initial assessment.

a working explanation

Substitutes "tentative" with "working", emphasizing that the explanation is currently being used but may be subject to change.

an initial hypothesis

Replaces the entire phrase with "an initial hypothesis", focusing on the theoretical starting point.

a suggested reason

Changes "explanation" to "reason" and implies a suggested but unconfirmed cause.

a first approximation

Emphasizes that the explanation is a rough estimate or initial understanding of the phenomenon.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tentative explanation" to introduce a preliminary idea or theory. For example: "The scientist offered "a tentative explanation" for the phenomenon, acknowledging that more research is needed."

What phrases are similar to "a tentative explanation"?

Similar phrases include "a provisional explanation", "a speculative explanation", or "a hypothetical explanation", which all suggest an unconfirmed or preliminary understanding.

When is it appropriate to offer "a tentative explanation"?

It's appropriate to offer "a tentative explanation" when you have some evidence or reasoning to support an idea, but you lack conclusive proof or a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

How does "a tentative explanation" differ from a theory?

"A tentative explanation" suggests a preliminary idea that needs further development and testing, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation.