a tentative solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tentative solution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a solution that is not yet finalized or is subject to change based on further information or testing. Example: "After reviewing the data, we have come up with a tentative solution that we will test in the coming weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

For now, Dripping Springs High School appears to have found a tentative solution.

The New York Times

THIS week's print column looks at the puzzle of better press regulation, and offers a tentative solution.

The Economist

It is clear that it was India's gesture of goodwill that led to a tentative solution of the dispute.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

As a tentative solution, we secondly present experimental methods to assess bank strength effects that can be used in the design of river pattern experiments.

Geomorphology

As a tentative solution, a new shim header called CoopHeader, which contains the MAC addresses of source, helper, and destination, has instead been inserted between the MAC header and the MAC payload.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Can the authors suggest some possible ways in which a tentative solution can be set up that could be discussed and adopted in critical assessments of function prediction tools?

F1000Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A tentative answer to this crucial question is attempted.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

For many problems, especially economic ones, it might be best not to specify any tentative solutions, but instead to shape economic incentives and let the free market explore the solution space.

Huffington Post

In interactive approaches [35], DMs need to provide a goal point for a tentative efficient solution in each iteration.

Complex & Intelligent Systems

Ms. Lutnick and others are struggling to propose an alternative, which has exposed painful divisions among the survivors' groups, since each tentative solution has its own drawbacks.

The New York Times

However, it is also important to acknowledge that the capabilities of such applications (and implementation thereof) in predicting the cost and performance of optimal design proposals (Petric et al. 2002) should enable design engineers to compare the quality of any one tentative solution against the quality of previous solutions.

Visualization in Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tentative solution" when you want to suggest an idea but also express some uncertainty about it

Common error

Avoid presenting "a tentative solution" as a guaranteed fix. Clearly indicate that it is subject to further evaluation and potential modification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tentative solution" functions as a noun phrase where "tentative" modifies "solution". It describes a solution that is proposed or suggested but is not yet final or certain, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a tentative solution" is a noun phrase used to describe a proposed answer to a problem that is not yet final or fully confirmed. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business contexts. It indicates uncertainty and suggests the need for further evaluation. Using alternatives like "a provisional answer" or "a preliminary resolution" can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis. It's crucial to acknowledge the limitations when presenting "a tentative solution" to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a provisional answer

Substitutes 'solution' with 'answer' and uses 'provisional' to emphasize its temporary nature.

a preliminary resolution

Replaces 'tentative' with 'preliminary' highlighting the initial stage of the resolution.

a suggested workaround

Focuses on providing a temporary fix, changing the focus from problem-solving to problem-avoidance.

an experimental approach

Emphasizes the experimental nature, highlighting that it is a test rather than a confirmed resolution.

a hypothetical remedy

Uses 'hypothetical' and 'remedy' to suggest a theoretical fix that has not been tested.

a proposed measure

Replaces 'solution' with 'measure', indicating an action suggested but not yet implemented.

a speculative fix

Highlights the speculative nature of the solution, emphasizing uncertainty.

a working hypothesis

Presents the solution as a hypothesis to be tested, common in scientific contexts.

a cautious approach

Focuses on the cautious implementation of the solution, rather than the solution itself.

an interim arrangement

Highlights the temporary and transitional nature of the arrangement as a short-term solution.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tentative solution" when suggesting a possible answer to a problem that is not yet fully tested or confirmed. For example, "After reviewing the data, we propose "a tentative solution" that needs further evaluation".

What's the difference between "a tentative solution" and "a permanent solution"?

"A tentative solution" is a temporary or provisional fix, while "a permanent solution" aims to resolve the issue completely and definitively. Use "a tentative solution" when more testing is needed.

What are some alternatives to saying "a tentative solution"?

Alternatives include "a provisional solution", "a preliminary resolution", or "a suggested workaround" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to present "a tentative solution" in a formal setting?

Yes, but it's important to clearly label it as such, acknowledging its limitations and the need for further validation. Transparency about its tentative nature is key in formal communication.