it is provisional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is provisional" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is temporary or subject to change, often in contexts like agreements, plans, or arrangements. Example: "The schedule for the conference is provisional and may be adjusted based on speaker availability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is provisional, shifting, temporary and subjective, that's what it is, and the quest for its elucidation is forever incomplete and wholly narrative.

The Guardian

But for all his poise, when he laughs, which he thankfully does quite a bit, I can hear that it is provisional – in parenthesis.

The Guardian - Books

(Note that there is a human OVOL3 gene, GeneID 728361, but it is "provisional" and largely un-annotated so we excluded it from this analysis).

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's provisional; it's provisional.

The Guardian - Books

But it's provisional, while I wait for my real life to begin.

The New Yorker

Officials at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) on Thursday confirmed the £37bn figure, but said it was provisional, set in September 2015, when wholesale power prices were low, and would not affect bill payers.

The Guardian

Kinzie also shares her own successful classroom tactics that encourage readers to approach a poem as if it were provisional.

University of Chicago

The taxonomy used here is provisional, it is quite likely that Trinidade and Herald Petrels deserve to be separated as different species.

Cornell University

The taxonomy used here is provisional, it is quite likely that Trindade and Herald Petrels deserve to be separated as different species.

Cornell University

In Float, fragmentation occupies a more central position: however the reader orders the material is provisional, it will almost certainly differ the next time she engages.

The Guardian - Books

For Holland, seeking out the causes of effects is valuable, but because our knowledge of causes is provisional, it is more valuable for a theory of causation to examine effects of causes.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is provisional" when you want to emphasize the possibility of future changes or updates to a plan, agreement, or piece of information. It adds a degree of caution and transparency.

Common error

Avoid using "it is provisional" when you actually mean something is permanent or intended to be long-lasting. "Provisional" implies a temporary or conditional status, not a final one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is provisional" functions as a declarative statement, as Ludwig confirms. It ascribes a quality of being temporary or subject to change to a specific subject. The examples found by Ludwig showcases its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is provisional" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to convey that something is temporary or subject to change. Ludwig AI validates this and finds its usage across diverse fields like news, science and academia. Though not overly common, the phrase is suitable for formal and neutral contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid implying permanence. Consider alternatives like "it is temporary" or "it is subject to change" to ensure your writing is precise and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is temporary

Replaces 'provisional' with a more common synonym, emphasizing the limited duration.

it is tentative

Indicates that something is subject to change or not yet finalized.

it is conditional

Highlights the dependence on certain conditions being met.

it is subject to revision

Focuses on the possibility of future changes or modifications.

it is not yet final

Emphasizes the incomplete or unconfirmed nature of something.

it is preliminary

Suggests an initial stage that is likely to be followed by further developments.

it is subject to change

Directly states that alterations are possible.

it is an interim measure

Implies a temporary solution implemented until a more permanent one is found.

it is a working draft

Specifies that something is in progress and not yet perfected.

it is a placeholder

Highlights that something is being used temporarily until the final version is available.

FAQs

What does "it is provisional" mean?

The phrase "it is provisional" means that something is temporary, not yet finalized, or subject to change. It indicates that the current state or arrangement is not permanent.

What can I say instead of "it is provisional"?

You can use alternatives like "it is temporary", "it is tentative", or "it is subject to change" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it is provisional" or "it is temporary"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "it is provisional" often implies a more formal or official context where changes are anticipated. "It is temporary" is more general and can be used in a wider range of situations.

How do I use "it is provisional" in a sentence?

You can use "it is provisional" to describe agreements, plans, or data that are not yet final. For example, "The agreement is provisional, pending final approval from the board" or "The data for 2024 "is provisional" and may be revised later".