at preliminary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at preliminary" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to something that occurs during a preliminary stage or process, but it needs additional context or modification to be usable. Example: "The results were discussed at the preliminary meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

At preliminary talks before a working dinner, Obama said China's success was in US interests.

The Guardian

A survey published in April looked at preliminary data on executive pay.

The New York Times

But she does stress that the process of reform is still at preliminary stage, with consultation ending on Friday.

The Guardian

In 1990, an initiative gave prosecutors access to pretrial evidence and curtailed defendants' rights at preliminary hearings.

The New York Times

Reid told reporters his meeting with McConnell had been "cordial" and added that they were only at preliminary stages.

The Guardian

Such testimony from law enforcement officers is common practice at preliminary hearings in Pennsylvania, which have a far lower burden of proof than trials.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

At a preliminary hearing at Superior Court in Bridgeport on Oct. 2, Mr. Truman pleaded not guilty to charges of animal cruelty.

The New York Times

At a preliminary event at the M.I.T. Media Lab last spring, research assistant Tal Achituv quieted a breast-pump motor by filling its interior space with a block of foam.

The New Yorker

He denied the accusation at a preliminary hearing at the ICC last September.

BBC

Additional inclusion criteria were determined at a preliminary screening visit conducted at the GCRC.

Diabetes Care

Talks are at the preliminary stage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use more grammatically correct alternatives such as "in the preliminary stage" or "during the preliminary phase" for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "at" directly before "preliminary" without an article or a more suitable preposition like "in" or "during". For example, saying "at preliminary stage" is incorrect; instead, use "in the preliminary stage".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at preliminary" functions as a prepositional phrase, but is grammatically incorrect and requires modification to be used correctly. As Ludwig AI indicates, it needs an article or a different preposition for accurate usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at preliminary" is frequently used, but grammatically incorrect, as Ludwig AI points out. To correct it, consider using alternatives such as "in the preliminary stage" or "during the preliminary phase". While commonly found in both scientific and news contexts, as seen across various examples, it's crucial to prioritize grammatical accuracy to maintain clarity and professionalism in writing. Ludwig examples indicate a frequent presence in Science and News & Media, reinforcing its broad application despite its grammatical issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the preliminary stage

Replaces 'at' with 'in the', creating a standard prepositional phrase.

during the preliminary phase

Substitutes 'at' with 'during' and 'stage' with 'phase' for clarity.

in the initial stage

Uses 'initial' instead of 'preliminary' to convey a similar meaning.

at the outset

Emphasizes the beginning or start; suitable when indicating the commencement of something.

in the early stages

Focuses on the early part of a process or project; provides a more general description.

in a preparatory manner

Highlights actions done to prepare; changes the structure to adverbial.

at an early juncture

Uses 'juncture' to refer to a point in time, emphasizing earliness.

in the nascent phase

Refers to the beginning or early developmental stage; more formal.

at inception

Implies the very beginning; more concise and formal.

during the formative period

Highlights the period when something is being formed or developed.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the word "preliminary" in a sentence?

Use phrases like "in the preliminary stage", "during the preliminary phase", or "at the preliminary hearing" to ensure grammatical accuracy.

What are some alternatives to "at preliminary" that I can use in my writing?

Consider using phrases such as "in the initial stage", "during the early stages", or "at the outset" for better clarity and grammar.

Is it grammatically correct to say "at preliminary"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. A more suitable preposition and article are needed, such as "in the preliminary stage" or "at a preliminary meeting".

What's the difference between "at preliminary" and "in the preliminary stage"?

"At preliminary" is grammatically incorrect. "In the preliminary stage" is the correct way to express that something is happening during the initial phase of a process or project.