it was tentative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was tentative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is uncertain, not fully developed, or subject to change. Example: "Her response to the proposal was tentative, indicating that she needed more time to consider the implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was tentative in its phrasing: "Could Apple Buy Twitter?" But the post boldly claimed that "a source who's plugged into the Valley's deal scene and has been recruited by Apple for a senior position" was saying negotiations were well under way.

The New York Times

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

The Economist

He said he considered the project solidly founded, although, he said of Mr. Drabinsky, "with him I always wrote in pencil because I knew it was tentative".

The New York Times

Group IB was nonetheless parenthesized to note that it was tentative.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

The Guardian

House music by DJ Zinhle, a South African woman, propels a kinetic celebration of life, but for this choreographer and these dancers it's tentative and underdone.

The New York Times - Arts

There's at least some anecdotal evidence for this, but it's tentative; the shifts Quitzau and Ropke documented shouldn't be expected to disappear in a year or two.

The New York Times - Magazine

They have a potential future together – it's tentative but brewing – until they go to a fair one day, and Johnny wins a lot of money playing Wheel of Fortune.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was tentative", consider adding context to clarify the source or reason for the uncertainty. This helps the reader understand the limitations or potential for change.

Common error

Avoid using "it was tentative" repeatedly without explaining why something is tentative. Provide additional information about the reasons for the uncertainty or the steps being taken to resolve it. Lack of context can leave the reader confused or skeptical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was tentative" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that something was uncertain, not yet finalized, or subject to change. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is correct and suitable for describing early findings or suggestions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was tentative" serves to express uncertainty or a provisional state, often applied to plans, suggestions, or early findings. Ludwig confirms the correctness of this phrase. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts and is considered to have a neutral register. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to provide context for why something is tentative, avoiding overuse without explanation. Alternatives include "it was uncertain" or "it was provisional", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was uncertain

Focuses on the lack of certainty associated with something.

it was provisional

Emphasizes the temporary and subject-to-change nature of something.

it was hesitant

Highlights the reluctance or wavering involved.

it was preliminary

Stresses that something is in the early stages and not yet finalized.

it was cautious

Indicates a careful and guarded approach.

it was indefinite

Focuses on the lack of clear definition or limitation.

it was speculative

Highlights that it is based on conjecture rather than firm evidence.

it was experimental

Emphasizes the trial nature of something.

it was unconfirmed

Indicates a lack of verification or validation.

it was indecisive

Stresses the wavering or unresolved nature of something.

FAQs

What does "it was tentative" mean?

The phrase "it was tentative" means that something was uncertain, not fully developed, or subject to change. It implies a lack of commitment or finality.

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

You can use "it was tentative" to describe plans, suggestions, or early findings. For example, "The agreement was tentative, pending approval from both parties."

What can I say instead of "it was tentative"?

You can use alternatives like "it was uncertain", "it was provisional", or "it was hesitant" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it was tentative" or "it is tentative"?

The choice between "it was tentative" and "it is tentative" depends on the tense you want to convey. Use "it was tentative" to refer to something in the past, and "it is tentative" to refer to something in the present.