are tentative only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are tentative only" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not final or certain, often in the context of plans, decisions, or statements. Example: "The dates for the conference are tentative only and may change based on availability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

However, due to the low abundance and coeleution of these eluants with other analytes, these assignments are tentative only.

Geochemical Transactions

The reason for doing this is that, to date, broader criteria are still pending acceptance by the scientific community in a new version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (ie, the DSM-V), so such broader criteria are tentative only.

ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

McGrady was tentative only for the first few possessions, when he passed up a few opportunities to drive and instead passed the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

As the policy change took place in a dynamic health sector context, these conclusions can only be tentative, but most of the indicators have changed in the direction predicted by our hypotheses.

Human Resources for Health

It should be noted that the manufacturer's precision performance claims regarding the quoted XACT system are tentative since this performance has only been shown in-orbit for static (inertial) pointing.

EPJ Quantum Technology

Some are tentative.

The New Yorker

The results, however, are tentative.

The New York Times - Health

To the evolutionists, all beliefs were tentative and verifiable only through a continuous process of inquiry.

Huffington Post

This conclusion is tentative due to only observing successful bidders.

Health Economics

This was partly offset by the creation of jobs in wholly new areas in later years.Any conclusions, however, can only be tentative.

The Economist

Knowing that historical narrative can only be tentative, Mr Modiano thrusts his fiction into territory that history and research cannot reach.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "are tentative only" to clearly communicate that a plan, decision, or result is not yet final and is subject to change. This avoids misunderstandings and sets appropriate expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "are tentative only" when the information is actually quite certain or well-established. This can undermine your credibility and confuse your audience. Use it only when genuine uncertainty exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are tentative only" functions as a qualifier, limiting the certainty or definiteness of a statement. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates that something is provisional, experimental, or subject to future change. Examples in Ludwig highlight its use in scientific and news contexts where conclusions are not yet fully established.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are tentative only" is a useful qualifier to indicate that information is not yet final or certain. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, remember to apply it when genuine uncertainty exists to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "are provisional" or "are preliminary" offer similar meanings, while related advice on avoiding overstated certainty and selecting the right word for the scenario is provided. By employing "are tentative only" judiciously, you can ensure clarity and manage expectations effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are purely tentative

Reinforces the sense of something being preliminary and unconfirmed.

are just provisional

Highlights the temporary nature of an arrangement or decision.

are simply initial

Indicates that something is at the beginning and will likely evolve.

are not yet definitive

Stresses the absence of a final or conclusive decision.

are merely preliminary

Emphasizes that something is in its earliest stages and subject to change.

are subject to revision

Indicates a likelihood of future modifications or corrections.

are still under consideration

Focuses on the ongoing evaluation process and uncertainty.

are only speculative

Suggests a high degree of uncertainty and reliance on guesswork.

are solely exploratory

Emphasizes the investigative aspect, with no commitment to implementation.

are strictly experimental

Highlights the trial nature of something, lacking established validity.

FAQs

How can I use "are tentative only" in a sentence?

You can use "are tentative only" to express that plans, conclusions, or results may change in the future. For example, "The conference dates are tentative only and subject to change" or "These findings are tentative only and require further research".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "are tentative only"?

Alternatives include "are provisional", "are preliminary", "are subject to change", and "are not yet definitive".

When is it appropriate to use "are tentative only"?

It's appropriate when discussing information that is not yet finalized, confirmed, or fully reliable. This phrase is useful in scientific reports, project planning, and when communicating potentially variable information.

Is it redundant to say "are tentative only"?

While "tentative" inherently implies a lack of certainty, adding "only" can emphasize the provisional nature of the information, making it clear there are no other factors suggesting greater certainty. Therefore, it's not necessarily redundant, but rather adds emphasis.