is provisional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is provisional" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is temporary or subject to change. Example: "The schedule for the project is provisional and may be adjusted as needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Neither is provisional.

The New Yorker

This course outline is provisional.

The Guardian

"Every claim is provisional".

The Guardian - Books

But in Genet's world freedom is provisional.

The New Yorker

Every depth record is provisional, every barrier a false conclusion.

The New Yorker

Truth is provisional, Mr Rushdie seems to be saying.

The Economist

All understanding is provisional and subject to continual adjustment.

The New Yorker

The recommendation for now is provisional and another hearing is expected to be held next week.

The New York Times

But while Qatar calls for democracy outside its borders, democracy here is provisional at best.

The New York Times

With two more operas to go, this report on the Kirov "Ring" is provisional.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm an analytical practitioner, or an experiential analyst; I believe that all knowledge is provisional.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is provisional" when you want to convey that something is not yet settled and might be altered based on new information or circumstances. It adds a layer of transparency and expectation management.

Common error

Avoid stating that something "is provisional" without providing context on what factors might lead to a change. Without such context, the statement loses its informative value and can appear vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is provisional" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a subject as being temporary or subject to future alteration. Ludwig's examples showcase this across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is provisional" is a versatile construction used to denote a temporary state, subject to change based on evolving circumstances. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, it is vital to ensure you provide context for why something is considered "provisional" and under what conditions it might change. Alternatives such as "is temporary" or "is subject to change" can be used for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is temporary

Emphasizes the limited duration or non-permanent nature.

is subject to change

Directly states the possibility of future modifications.

is conditional

Highlights dependence on specific conditions being met.

is tentative

Indicates an experimental or hesitant nature, open to revision.

is contingent

Similar to 'conditional' but often implies a greater degree of uncertainty.

is not yet final

Clarifies that the current state is not the ultimate or definitive one.

is preliminary

Suggests an early stage of development or investigation.

is liable to alteration

Similar to 'subject to change' but with a more formal tone.

is experimental

Highlights the exploratory nature and potential for unexpected outcomes.

is under review

Focuses on the ongoing evaluation process.

FAQs

How can I use "is provisional" in a sentence?

You can use "is provisional" to indicate that something is temporary or subject to change. For example, "The schedule for the project is provisional and may be adjusted as needed."

What's a good alternative to "is provisional"?

Alternatives include "is temporary", "is tentative", or "is subject to change", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is provisional"?

It's appropriate when describing plans, agreements, or data that are not yet finalized and are likely to be updated or revised.

Is "is provisional" formal or informal language?

"Is provisional" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for both professional and academic contexts.