it is tentative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is tentative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not definite or certain, often in contexts like plans, agreements, or conclusions. Example: "The schedule for the conference is tentative and may change based on speaker availability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The group has a transition plan before the state government, although Farmer concedes it is tentative and needs work.

The Guardian

But according to knowledgeable sources, this effort shares the defect of broader U.S. policy toward Iran -- it is tentative and ill-coordinated, and it undermines diplomacy without bringing serious pressure on the regime.

The Washington Post

The current proposal was drawn in consultation among several agencies, including the F.A.A., Mr. Ridge's domestic security office, the Pentagon, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, the Secret Service and the Transportation Security Administration, said William A. Shumann, a spokesman for the F.A.A. "It is tentative," Mr. Shumann said of the latest plan.

The New York Times

It is tentative to suggest that local release or systemic administration of the various substances may modify the activity of the dural nerve fibers via specific receptors or mechanisms.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

It is tentative to speculate that recovery of spatial memory in APPSw,Ind mice by EE could be related to an increase in the number of most mature Dcx neurons.

Plosone

However, as for all models, it is tentative and therefore some consideration of adequacy is needed.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It's tentative title is "America Is Not Altogether Ugly".

The New Yorker

"Garth," he added, "didn't feel it was tentative.

The New York Times

And what I loved about science was that it was tentative, it was always suggesting.

The Guardian

The third thing about science that I think that's really important to understand is it's tentative.

Cornell University

The two oil-gluggers' recent co-operation on energy was, after all, as unusual as it was tentative.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is tentative" to clearly communicate that a plan, idea, or conclusion is not yet fully formed or confirmed. This sets appropriate expectations and allows for flexibility.

Common error

Avoid using "it is tentative" when the situation requires a firm commitment or decision. Opt for more definitive language when certainty is needed to prevent confusion or mistrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is tentative" functions as a statement expressing uncertainty or a preliminary status. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct, serving to qualify information as not yet final.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is tentative" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey uncertainty or a preliminary status. While not overly common, it is readily understood across various contexts, particularly in science and news reporting, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. When using this phrase, be mindful to set appropriate expectations and recognize the potential for changes or revisions. Alternatives like "it is provisional" or "it is preliminary" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is provisional

Replaces "tentative" with "provisional", implying a temporary or conditional arrangement.

it is preliminary

Substitutes "tentative" with "preliminary", suggesting an initial or early stage assessment.

it is uncertain

Replaces "tentative" with "uncertain", highlighting the lack of surety.

it is subject to change

Indicates that the subject matter is not yet finalized and may be altered.

it is indefinite

Emphasizes the lack of a clear or fixed limit or definition.

it is not yet definite

Directly states the lack of definiteness, providing a clear and simple alternative.

it is conjectural

Replaces "tentative" with "conjectural", implying that something is based on guesswork rather than concrete evidence.

it is still under consideration

Suggests the matter is being evaluated and a decision has not yet been made.

it is open to question

Suggests that the validity or truth of something is not fully established.

it remains to be seen

Implies uncertainty about the future outcome or confirmation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it is tentative" in a sentence?

You can use "it is tentative" to indicate that something is not yet finalized or certain. For instance, "The agreement is tentative and subject to further negotiations."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is tentative"?

Alternatives include "it is provisional", "it is preliminary", or "it is uncertain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is tentative" formal or informal?

"It is tentative" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "it is provisional".

What does "tentative" mean in the phrase "it is tentative"?

In the phrase "it is tentative", "tentative" means not yet finalized, confirmed, or definite. It suggests that something is subject to change or further development.