grow tentative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grow tentative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process where someone becomes less certain or more cautious in their actions or decisions. Example: "As the negotiations progressed, the team began to grow tentative about their initial proposals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Shumpert missed his first four shots, coming out aggressively in the first quarter, but then seemed to grow tentative.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

When she was out, Notre Dame pushed the ball inside and the Huskies grew tentative on defense.

The New York Times - Sports

As the movement progressed, the solo vocal quartet, including Mr. Pape, grew more tentative.

The New York Times

But upon learning about the absence of Dorothy's famous footwear (Warner holds the copyright), he grew more tentative.

The New York Times

Eisenberg has grown a tentative beard; his eyes are hooded and hostile; he hauls, loads, does unending physical labor without apparent pleasure.

The New Yorker

But Djokovic refused to buckle yet again, leveling the breaker at 4-4 as Tsonga's play grew increasingly tentative under the circumstances.

The New York Times

You get tentative.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, the Canadians nearly built three goals from nothing by forward Paul Stalteri as the American defense grew leaky and tentative.

The New York Times - Sports

As their wide-ranging dialogue proceeds, he grows mysterious, strangely tentative, before breaking out with wild horror at the evils he has seen abroad.

The New York Times - Arts

At the same time, unease is growing that a tentative comeback in the housing market could fall apart as a tax credit for home buyers expires and the Fed's program to hold down mortgage rates comes to a close.

The New York Times

At the same time, unease is growing that a tentative comeback in the American housing market could fall apart as a tax credit for home buyers expires this spring and the Fed's program to hold down mortgage rates ends.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow tentative" to describe a gradual shift in attitude, where someone becomes increasingly hesitant or uncertain due to changing circumstances or new information.

Common error

Avoid using "grow tentative" when describing a character's fundamental personality trait. It better serves to show a developed reaction to specific events or a changing environment rather than inherent weakness.

Linguistic Context

"Grow tentative" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual transition towards hesitancy or uncertainty. It suggests a process where someone becomes less confident or more cautious over time. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is valid and understandable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Sport

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow tentative" describes a gradual increase in hesitation or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The analysis reveals that "grow tentative" is most frequently found in news and media, with less common usage in academic and formal business settings. To enhance your writing, use "grow tentative" to illustrate a gradual shift towards uncertainty and avoid it when describing fundamental character traits. Remember, the phrase's strength lies in depicting a change in response to specific circumstances. Consider alternatives like "become hesitant" or "turn cautious" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow uncertain

Directly mirrors the meaning, focusing on increasing doubt.

become hesitant

Focuses on the emotional shift towards indecisiveness.

grow doubtful

Indicates an increase in disbelief or lack of confidence.

turn cautious

Emphasizes increased carefulness due to developing uncertainty.

become wary

Stresses increasing vigilance and suspicion.

get apprehensive

Highlights the development of anxiety or fear.

turn skeptical

Emphasizes the development of doubt or disbelief.

become circumspect

Highlights the development of careful consideration of all circumstances.

get diffident

Focuses on the emotional shift towards shyness and lack of confidence.

become insecure

Emphasizes the shift towards feeling unconfident or anxious.

FAQs

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

You can use "grow tentative" to describe someone becoming increasingly hesitant or uncertain over time, for example, "As the negotiations stalled, the team began to "grow tentative" about their initial proposals."

What are some alternatives to saying "grow tentative"?

Alternatives include phrases like "become hesitant", "turn cautious", or "grow uncertain", which all describe a similar increase in uncertainty or carefulness.

Is it better to say "grow tentative" or "become tentative"?

Both ""grow tentative"" and "become tentative" are grammatically correct. "Grow tentative" emphasizes a gradual process, while "become tentative" suggests a more immediate shift.

What does it mean when someone "grows tentative"?

When someone "grows tentative", it means they are becoming increasingly hesitant, uncertain, or cautious, often due to a change in circumstances or new information that makes them question their previous confidence.