a tentative manner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tentative manner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an approach or behavior that is uncertain or not fully confident. Example: "She spoke in a tentative manner, unsure of how her ideas would be received by the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Generally thoughtful, she has a tentative manner that can turn abruptly confrontational.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Spanish attacker, in any case, was also lifting his own foot in a more tentative manner.

The Guardian - Sport

In 1908 Alfred Stengel wrote: "Treated in a purely medical or tentative manner, the great majority of patients with appendicitis recover".

BMJ Open

It was nothing like the tentative manner with which Moyes had approached the same task 12 months earlier.

BBC

Given the uncertainty, Carruthers is therefore well-advised in the tentative manner in which he puts forward his claims about chimpanzee sentience.

SEP

The Bank's strategy is a tentative one, taking things in a "graduated and proportionate" manner, as Carney puts it.

The Guardian - Business

He is an imposing man, about six feet tall with a still-athletic build, and though his mouth is fixed in a tentative half-smile, there is something wary in his manner.

The New York Times - Magazine

A tentative thumbs-up.

The Guardian - Music

A tentative smile.

The Guardian - Music

I took a tentative nibble.

The New York Times

Make a tentative seating plan.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's behavior, use "a tentative manner" to indicate they are approaching a situation with uncertainty or a lack of confidence. This can be useful in character development or when reporting on sensitive negotiations.

Common error

Avoid using "a tentative manner" when you intend to convey weakness or incompetence. Tentativeness implies caution and uncertainty, not necessarily an inability to perform. Use stronger, more direct language if the intention is to criticize someone's skills or abilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tentative manner" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It describes how an action is performed, indicating hesitancy or uncertainty. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it often appears in descriptions of behavior or approaches to tasks.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tentative manner" is an adverbial phrase used to describe actions performed with caution, uncertainty, or a lack of confidence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suggests its use in describing behavior or approaches. While relatively rare, it appears in reputable sources like The New Yorker and The Guardian, primarily within News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, remember that it conveys hesitancy, not necessarily weakness, and can be replaced with alternatives such as "a hesitant approach" or "an uncertain way" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hesitant approach

Replaces "tentative" with "hesitant", emphasizing the pause or reluctance in the manner.

an uncertain way

Substitutes both "tentative" and "manner" to focus on the lack of sureness.

a cautious demeanor

Replaces "manner" with "demeanor", suggesting a more outwardly careful behavior.

a guarded style

Implies a protective or defensive quality in the way something is done.

a circumspect method

Suggests careful consideration of all circumstances before acting.

a diffident air

Highlights a lack of self-confidence in the overall presentation.

a shy attitude

Emphasizes the shyness or timidity behind the behavior.

a reluctant fashion

Suggests unwillingness or disinclination in the way something is done.

a gingerly tactic

Implies a very careful and cautious approach, as if handling something delicate.

a half-hearted attempt

Highlights the lack of enthusiasm or commitment in the effort.

FAQs

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

Use "a tentative manner" to describe someone's cautious or hesitant way of doing something. For example, "She approached the task with "a tentative manner", unsure of how to proceed."

What does it mean to act in "a tentative manner"?

Acting in "a tentative manner" means behaving in a way that shows uncertainty, hesitation, or a lack of confidence. It suggests approaching a situation carefully and cautiously.

What are some synonyms for "a tentative manner"?

Some synonyms include "a hesitant approach", "an uncertain way", or "a cautious demeanor". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the hesitant behavior.

Is it better to act in "a tentative manner" or a confident manner?

It depends on the situation. Acting in "a tentative manner" can be appropriate when dealing with sensitive or unfamiliar situations, while a confident manner may be more effective in situations that require decisiveness and authority.