got tentative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got tentative" is not standard in written English and may be considered incorrect.
It could be used informally to describe a state of uncertainty or hesitation, but it lacks clarity and precision. Example: "After hearing the news, I got tentative about making any plans for the weekend."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I thought we got tentative with the lead," Wright said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I thought we got tentative defensively because we were in foul trouble," Nets Coach Byron Scott said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think he got tentative when they called all those quick fouls in the fourth quarter," Coach Lenny Wilkens said.

The New York Times - Sports

I have to credit their defense during that stretch where they just turned it up and we got tentative".

The New York Times - Sports

On Monday, Mr. Obama got tentative support from Senator John McCain of Arizona, who has been pushing for even broader military action and arming the rebels.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

You get tentative.

The Guardian - Sport

When you do that, you get tentative".

The Guardian - Sport

Yes, the president is getting tentative approval from the public and the benefit of the doubt even from many who did not support him, but that is the usual pattern for new presidents.

The New York Times

"I got very tentative.

The New York Times - Sports

The New Yorker, despite scores that ranked her among the bottom of this year's applicants, got a tentative "admit".

The New York Times

Ignoring the product that had got the tentative thumbs-up from focus groups in favour of the one everyone had hated wasn't the brightest of moves, but then who came up with the idea of expecting anyone to create a half-decent product in the absurd time-frame?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for clearer and more grammatically accepted alternatives like "became hesitant" or "grew uncertain" to enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "got tentative" in formal writing or professional communication. Its informality can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got tentative" functions as a verb phrase, attempting to describe a state of becoming uncertain or hesitant. However, it is considered non-standard. As Ludwig AI notes, it lacks clarity and precision, making it less suitable for formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "got tentative" aims to express a state of becoming uncertain, it's considered grammatically questionable and non-standard. Ludwig AI suggests opting for clearer alternatives like "became hesitant" or "grew uncertain" for enhanced clarity and professionalism. Usage is rare and primarily confined to news and media contexts. It's best to avoid "got tentative" in formal writing to maintain credibility. Use instead more appropriate expressions to convey slight uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became unsure

Simple replacement with a more direct synonym for uncertainty.

became hesitant

Emphasizes a shift towards hesitation, replacing "got" with a more formal verb.

grew uncertain

Highlights the increasing uncertainty experienced.

turned indecisive

Focuses on the shift in decision-making ability.

felt apprehensive

Conveys a feeling of anxiety or unease.

became cautious

Indicates an increase in carefulness or wariness.

developed second thoughts

Implies a reconsideration leading to uncertainty.

started doubting

Highlights the onset of doubt or skepticism.

lost confidence

Focuses on a decrease in self-assurance.

began to waver

Suggests a fluctuating state of uncertainty.

FAQs

What does "got tentative" mean?

The phrase "got tentative" means to become uncertain or hesitant. However, it's not considered standard English and is better replaced with more formal alternatives.

How can I use "became hesitant" instead of "got tentative"?

You can substitute "got tentative" with alternatives like "became hesitant", "grew uncertain", or "turned indecisive" for better clarity and grammatical correctness.

Is "got tentative" grammatically correct?

No, "got tentative" is not considered grammatically correct in formal English. It's better to use alternatives that are more precise and standard, such as "became cautious" or "felt apprehensive".

What are some alternatives to "got tentative" for expressing uncertainty?

Instead of "got tentative", you could use phrases like "developed second thoughts", "started doubting", or "lost confidence" to express uncertainty in a more grammatically sound way.