a tentative list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tentative list" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a preliminary or provisional list that may be subject to change. Example: "We have created a tentative list of participants for the conference, which will be finalized next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Compile a tentative list of law schools to apply to.

Columbia University

A tentative list includes a variety of popular European imports.

The New York Times

A tentative list of the most appropriate substituting elements for given lone-pair cations is presented.

Solid State Sciences

List of topics: Find a tentative list of topics in a tentative order below.

University of California, Berkeley

I like to create a tentative list of projected paintings and watercolors.

The New York Times

Here is a tentative list of the papers that will be addressed in lectures and class project-proposal discussions.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

We also provided them a summary and tentative list of potential human rights violations developed by our community partners to initiate discussion.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

The destruction in Hatra came just a few days after attempts by the Isis to bulldoze ruins at the Assyrian city of Nimrud, a site currently on the tentative list to become a world heritage site.

Independent

Chiang Mai's historic city has been always included as the 1st priority of historic city list, recently, a potential in the tentative list led to highly active of both conservation plan and action of people participation in historic area to response with UNESCO's criteria and sustainable historic preservation.

City, Territory and Architecture

The related work is done (i) in a loop for all solutions s ∈ T (lines 27 - 31 in Algorithm 2), (ii) in the call to Algorithm 4 (leftExtensions) in line 32 in Algorithm 2), and (iii) in line 33 in Algorithm 2 which adds newly found solutions (i.e. lists of edges) as new elements to X, the tentative list of solutions (a list of edge lists).

European Transport Research Review

In addition, diesel exhaust contains nearly all of the other chemicals on the tentative list, said John Froines, a UCLA toxicologist and panel member.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tentative list" when you want to convey that the information is subject to change or is not yet fully confirmed. This signals flexibility and openness to revisions.

Common error

Avoid treating a "tentative list" as final. Always double-check and confirm the information before making critical decisions based on it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tentative list" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It indicates a preliminary compilation that may be subject to changes, as evidenced by Ludwig examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

Academia

28%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tentative list" is a grammatically sound phrase frequently employed to denote a preliminary or provisional collection of items subject to future modifications. As Ludwig highlights, its usage spans across academic, scientific, and news domains, reflecting its adaptability and broad relevance. The phrase signals flexibility and openness to revisions, making it a valuable tool in clear and transparent communication. When using "a tentative list", it's crucial to avoid treating it as a definitive source and to verify its contents before making critical decisions. Related phrases include "a preliminary list" and "a provisional list", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary inventory

Emphasizes the initial stage of creating an inventory.

a draft compilation

Highlights the unfinished nature and process of compiling the list.

an initial catalog

Suggests a more structured and organized listing.

a provisional agenda

Specifically refers to a list of items to be discussed or acted upon, subject to change.

a speculative record

Emphasizes the uncertain or experimental nature of the list.

a proposed schedule

Focuses on the planning aspect of a list intended for time management.

a trial directory

Implies testing or experimentation with the list as a directory.

an unconfirmed roster

Underscores the lack of certainty about the members or items on the list.

a possible enumeration

Highlights the action of counting or listing items that may occur.

a suggested inventory

Focuses on guidance towards inventory.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tentative list" to indicate a preliminary or provisional collection of items, such as: "Here is "a tentative list" of topics we'll cover."

What's the difference between "a tentative list" and "a final list"?

"A tentative list" implies the list is subject to change, while "a final list" suggests that the list is complete and confirmed.

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

You can use alternatives like "a preliminary list", "a provisional list", or "a draft list" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a tentative list"?

It is appropriate to use "a tentative list" when you are presenting information that is not yet finalized or is subject to revisions.