make a tentative decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a tentative decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you don't want to commit to a decision yet, but you need to make a decision. For example, "I need to make a tentative decision about which apartment to rent, so I'm going to look at the top two on my list."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Make a tentative decision.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr Starr is said to have made a "tentative decision" to issue a detailed final report on his five-year investigation into President and Mrs Clinton's affairs.

The Guardian

The Transportation Department's grant of immunity makes final a tentative decision issued April 9, but does not affect a separate antitrust review of the proposed Delta-Northwest combination by the Justice Department.

The New York Times

Make a tentative seating plan.

The New York Times - Food

Make a tentative plan.

WikiHow

Make a tentative schedule and spending list.

WikiHow

Make a tentative mark and repeat the step to make sure the spot is correct.

WikiHow

Make a tentative mark and repeat to make sure the spot is correct.

WikiHow

Use all this information to make a tentative class schedule for yourself.

WikiHow

The rule makers, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, reversing a tentative decision it had made last year, ruled that good will -- the asset created when companies pay more to acquire each other than the book value of the underlying assets -- need not be written off over any particular period.

The New York Times

Yesterday's decision had been widely expected because Judge Ballachey issued a tentative decision two months ago.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a tentative decision, clearly state the factors that could influence a change in direction. Transparency builds trust.

Common error

Don't treat a tentative decision as if it doesn't matter. It's still a decision, and should be made with due consideration, even if it's subject to change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a tentative decision" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of coming to a preliminary conclusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English when one needs to decide but is unwilling to fully commit yet.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a tentative decision" is a valid and commonly used expression for indicating a preliminary conclusion that is subject to change. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and the examples provided showcase its use across various contexts like planning, negotiations, and general decision-making. It is particularly valuable when flexibility is required. While the phrase carries a neutral tone, remember it's important to consider the decision carefully, even if tentative, and ensure you're transparent about factors that could cause the decision to be revised.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach a preliminary conclusion

Focuses on the conclusion aspect, emphasizing its preliminary nature.

form a provisional judgment

Highlights the judgment aspect and its provisional quality.

arrive at an initial determination

Emphasizes the determination aspect and its initial stage.

draw a tentative conclusion

Focuses on the act of drawing a conclusion, portraying its tentative quality.

develop a working hypothesis

Shifts the context to a hypothesis, emphasizing its role as a basis for further investigation.

establish a tentative plan

Changes the focus from a decision to a plan, highlighting its provisional status.

make a preliminary assessment

Shifts the focus to an assessment, emphasizing its preliminary nature.

reach a conditional agreement

Highlights the agreement aspect, emphasizing its conditional nature.

formulate a tentative opinion

Highlights the opinion aspect, emphasizing its tentative nature.

propose a possible solution

Focuses on proposing a solution, indicating its potential rather than definitive nature.

FAQs

How can I use "make a tentative decision" in a sentence?

You can use "make a tentative decision" when outlining a plan that might need adjustments. For example, "We'll "make a tentative decision" on the venue, but we're open to suggestions".

What's a good alternative to "make a tentative decision"?

Alternatives include "reach a preliminary conclusion", "form a provisional judgment", or "arrive at an initial determination", depending on the context.

Is it okay to say "make a tentative decision", or is it redundant?

It is perfectly acceptable to say "make a tentative decision". The word "tentative" specifies the type of decision, indicating it is not final or binding.

What does it mean to "make a tentative decision"?

To "make a tentative decision" means to come to a preliminary conclusion or agreement that is subject to change based on new information or circumstances. It implies a willingness to be flexible and adapt.