a tentative proposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tentative proposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting an idea or theory that is not yet fully developed or confirmed. Example: "In our discussion, I would like to present a tentative proposition regarding the potential benefits of remote work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Despite a steady drop in violent crime nationally in recent years, residents in neighborhoods like East Garfield and K-Town still find enough hardship to make life there a tentative proposition.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This brings me to my second, more tentative, proposition.

Unicef

This has involved an initial literature review, transcription and codification of interviews to derive tentative propositions, and the validation of the tentative propositions through a questionnaire survey.

International Journal of Production Economics

ML and Bayesian topologies of concatenated data and separate regions allowed for the proposition of a tentative Aotus phylogeny, indicating that Aotus diverged some 4.62 Million years before present (MYBP).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The propositions contribute to practice by acting as a tentative guide for systems developers when they use user participation schools as inspiration in public e-service projects.

Government Information Quarterly

I took a tentative nibble.

The New York Times

Make a tentative seating plan.

The New York Times - Food

A tentative thumbs-up.

The Guardian - Music

A tentative smile.

The Guardian - Music

His writing hardly betrayed a tentative hand.

The New York Times

But it is making a tentative comeback.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tentative proposition", ensure the context clearly indicates that the idea is not yet fully formed and is open to revision or further development. This manages expectations and encourages constructive feedback.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a tentative proposition" as a definitive solution or fact. Doing so can undermine your credibility and mislead your audience. Always emphasize the exploratory nature of the idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tentative proposition" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces an idea or statement that is not yet fully formed or confirmed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a tentative proposition" is a grammatically correct and useful way to introduce an idea or suggestion that is not yet fully developed or confirmed. As Ludwig AI indicates, its use is acceptable in written English. It functions as a noun phrase and serves to invite discussion or further investigation. While most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, it can be adapted to other domains. When using this phrase, ensure that the context makes it clear that the idea is preliminary and open to revision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary hypothesis

Replaces 'proposition' with 'hypothesis' implying a more scientific or investigatory context and 'tentative' with 'preliminary', indicating an early stage.

a provisional theory

Substitutes 'proposition' with 'theory' suggesting a more structured thought and 'tentative' with 'provisional', pointing to its conditional acceptance.

a speculative idea

Replaces 'proposition' with 'idea', which is less formal, and 'tentative' with 'speculative', indicating a higher degree of uncertainty.

a cautious suggestion

Replaces "proposition" with "suggestion", making it sound less formal and more of a helpful tip. "Tentative" turns into "cautious", stressing the need for consideration.

a hesitant proposal

"Proposition" turns into "proposal", signaling the need for a decision. "Tentative" becomes "hesitant", showing doubts or a lack of confidence.

an unconfirmed assertion

"Proposition" turns into "assertion", making it sound more forceful but still uncertain. "Tentative" changes to "unconfirmed", highlighting the need for proof.

a qualified statement

Replaces 'proposition' with 'statement' suggesting a formal declaration and 'tentative' with 'qualified' meaning it is subject to certain conditions.

a conditional premise

"Proposition" changes to "premise", sounding more like the setup for a conclusion. "Tentative" becomes "conditional", signaling that things depend on circumstances.

a working assumption

Replaces "proposition" with "assumption", implying acceptance without proof. "Tentative" changes to "working", highlighting its use as a base for development.

an experimental concept

Swaps out "proposition" for "concept", indicating something that is abstract and not fully tested. "Tentative" is swapped with "experimental", showing a test phase.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tentative proposition" to introduce an idea that requires further examination, such as, "In our discussion, I would like to present "a tentative proposition" regarding the potential benefits of remote work."

What are some alternatives to "a tentative proposition"?

Alternatives include "a preliminary suggestion", "a provisional statement", or "a speculative idea" depending on the context.

What does "a tentative proposition" imply about the idea being presented?

It implies that the idea is not yet fully developed or confirmed, suggesting that it is open to discussion, refinement, and potential rejection based on further evidence or analysis.

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

Yes, but it's important to clearly signal the exploratory nature of the idea and provide sufficient context. In more formal settings, alternatives like "a preliminary hypothesis" or "a provisional theory" might be more suitable.