dates are tentative

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'dates are tentative' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this sentence to indicate that there is uncertainty about the dates being suggested. For example: “We are planning to host the event in June, but the dates are tentative at this point.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Dates are tentative and would occur no earlier than listed.

The Washington Post

(Note that all dates are tentative and subject to change; ICANN maintais the authoritative schedule). We will also webcast the Berkman Center's "ICANN & The Public Interest: Pressing Issues" Workshop on October 31.

Harvard University

Some dates are tentative, as accurate records for filmed television series were not always kept.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That specific date is tentative, by the way.

TechCrunch

The girl's lineage had less time to accumulate mutations, and the "missing evolution" suggests she died about 80,000 years ago, although the date is tentative, says co-author David Reich, a population geneticist at Harvard University.

Science Magazine

The Register reports that the new date is tentative.

Huffington Post

Grant and Cherry said Noirbnb's launch date is tentative.

HuffPost

All earnings dates listed below are tentative and subject to change.

Forbes

And the Queens Museum of Art is planning what Ms. Weingeist called "an enormous exhibition" about contemporary and modern Indian art, for which the dates are still tentative.

The New York Times

* NOTE: Starred items are tentative dates.

Columbia University

These are tentative steps.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dates are tentative", always provide a reason or context for the uncertainty. This helps the audience understand the situation and manage their expectations effectively.

Common error

Avoid making firm commitments based on tentative dates. Always double-check and confirm before finalizing any plans or agreements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dates are tentative" functions as a qualifier, indicating that the dates being discussed are not yet final and are subject to change. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its application in various contexts, from project schedules to event planning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dates are tentative" is a grammatically correct and professionally appropriate way to communicate that specific dates are not yet finalized and are subject to change. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides several real-world examples across various domains, including news, academia, and science. While not the most frequent expression, it is a clear and effective means of managing expectations. When using this phrase, it's best practice to offer context for the uncertainty and avoid making firm commitments based solely on tentative dates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dates are provisional

Replaces "tentative" with "provisional", suggesting a temporary or subject-to-change status.

dates are subject to change

Explicitly states the possibility of alteration, providing a direct warning about potential modifications.

dates are not yet confirmed

Indicates a lack of finalization, implying that the dates are still under consideration.

dates are unconfirmed

A shorter version of "dates are not yet confirmed", maintaining the same meaning.

dates are preliminary

Suggests an initial or early status, indicating further refinement is expected.

dates are approximate

Highlights the estimated nature of the dates, suggesting they may not be precise.

dates are estimated

Similar to "dates are approximate", emphasizing the projected nature of the dates.

dates are to be determined

Indicates that the dates have not yet been set or decided upon.

dates are indefinite

Implies a lack of clarity or certainty regarding the timing.

dates are open

Suggests flexibility and a willingness to adjust the dates as needed.

FAQs

What does "dates are tentative" mean?

The phrase "dates are tentative" means that the suggested dates are not yet final and are subject to change. It indicates a degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of an event or activity.

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

You can use "dates are tentative" to inform someone that the dates provided are not confirmed. For example: "The "tentative start date" is next Monday, but we're still waiting for approval."

What are some alternatives to saying "dates are tentative"?

Alternatives include phrases like "dates are provisional", "dates are subject to change", or "dates are unconfirmed".

Is it better to say "dates are tentative" or "dates are confirmed"?

The choice depends on the certainty of the dates. Use "dates are tentative" when there is a possibility of change, and "dates are confirmed" when the dates are final and fixed.