a tentative plan

USAGE SUMMARY

"a tentative plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a plan that is not yet finalized and may still change. For example, "We have a tentative plan to launch the new product in the summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

A tentative plan of a network classification system is proposed.

IATSS Research

See articleBlackstone ditched a tentative plan to bid for Dell.

The Economist

Then, a tentative plan is made for two to four lab rotations (one rotation per quarter).

Stanford University

Fish reads every brochure the lobby offers, and makes a tentative plan to see the irrigation museum.

The New Yorker

Under a tentative plan, Morgan would reduce its ownership of FrontPoint, which employs about 180 people, to about 25 percent.

The New York Times

The State Highway Department approved a tentative plan Thursday for improving North Central Expressway, Dallas's main north-south artery.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

As the Iraqi forces take on additional responsibility, and prove their combat worthiness, American commanders in the country are poised to recommend a reduction of United States forces, with a tentative planning target of dropping to 100,000 by autumn.

The New York Times

He has made a few tentative plans.

The New Yorker

In that case, a senior administration said, the tentative plan would be for another round of tax cuts, following a process similar to the one Mr. Trump used to get the tax overhaul that he signed into law in December.

The New York Times

You should include a thoughtful description of your tentative plan of study or area of inquiry at Columbia as you now envision it, the kind of research questions you intend to pursue, and what you hope to expect to do after you have completed the degree.

Columbia University

This week Toyota sent European car companies into a spin with a leak of tentative plans to build a giant plant in northern France, just 80 kilometres (50 miles) down the road from a Belgian factory being closed by Renault.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tentative plan" when you want to convey that a plan is subject to change and further development. It implies a degree of uncertainty and openness to adjustments.

Common error

Avoid using "a tentative plan" when you actually have a finalized or concrete plan. Using "a tentative plan" when the details are already fixed can create confusion and undermine confidence in your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tentative plan" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a plan that is not yet finalized or certain. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is used in various contexts to indicate a preliminary arrangement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

21%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tentative plan" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a plan that is not yet finalized and is subject to change. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's widely used in news, academic writing, and scientific reports to manage expectations and convey a degree of uncertainty. When using the phrase, ensure that you are indeed referring to a plan that is not yet set in stone to avoid misleading your audience. Consider using alternatives like "a preliminary proposal" or "a rough outline" to further fine-tune the meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary proposal

Emphasizes the early stage and potential for significant changes.

a provisional arrangement

Highlights the temporary nature and possibility of later adjustments.

a rough outline

Focuses on the undeveloped and imprecise nature of the plan.

a speculative scheme

Suggests the plan is based on conjecture and may not be feasible.

a conditional strategy

Implies the plan depends on certain conditions being met.

a working draft

Highlights the plan is still under development and subject to revision.

an initial concept

Focuses on the plan as a starting point for further development.

a hypothetical scenario

Presents the plan as a possible but unproven course of action.

an experimental approach

Emphasizes the plan's untried nature and potential for failure.

a flexible roadmap

Highlights the adaptability of the plan to changing circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tentative plan" to describe an arrangement that is not yet final. For instance, "We have "a tentative plan" to launch the project next quarter, but it depends on funding."

What are some alternatives to "a tentative plan"?

Consider using alternatives like "a preliminary proposal", "a provisional arrangement", or "a rough outline" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a tentative plan" in formal writing?

Yes, "a tentative plan" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing projects or strategies that are still in the early stages of development. It conveys transparency about the plan's current status.

What distinguishes "a tentative plan" from "a definite plan"?

"A tentative plan" suggests flexibility and openness to changes, while "a definite plan" implies that the arrangements are finalized and unlikely to be altered. Use "a tentative plan" when you want to acknowledge uncertainty or the potential for future adjustments.