on a preliminary basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a preliminary basis" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to describe something that is provisional and subject to change. For example, "We can accept your offer on a preliminary basis, pending further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

He added, "Intervention by a federal district court, particularly on a preliminary basis, is inappropriate".

The New York Times

"On a preliminary basis, it looks like a justified shooting," he said.

The New York Times

What has been clearly observed — on a preliminary basis — is some early individual struggling.

The New York Times - Sports

"I personally do not have any indication of that, even on a preliminary basis," he said.

The Washington Post

"Many of these areas have been explored on a preliminary basis to test the potential, and the potential is there.

The New York Times

But the sale was thwarted this week by the federal treasurer, Scott Morrison, who rejected the sale, on a preliminary basis, on national security grounds.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

This paper reports an experimental study of the combined effects of high temperature and high strain rate on normal concrete material, which is a preliminary basis for calculating and assessing the performances of RC structures in blast and fire.

International Journal of Impact Engineering

Thomas Wachtell, board president of the Music Center Opera Assn. in Los Angeles, said Friday that there have been "some discussions on a very preliminary basis between (Opera Assn. executive director) Peter Hemmings and the Met.

Los Angeles Times

The bank announced that it's anticipating a loss of 4.8 billion euros ($6.35), on net losses for the last three months of 2008, on a preliminary and unaudited basis.

Forbes

Shares in the two companies, to be called Viacom and CBS, began trading on a preliminary basis or so-called "when-issued"–on the New York Stock Exchange.

Forbes

The investigation was carried out on a voluntary basis following preliminary information about the study.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on a preliminary basis", always clarify what subsequent steps or investigations are needed to confirm the initial assessment. This ensures transparency and manages expectations.

Common error

Avoid presenting findings made "on a preliminary basis" as definitive conclusions. Ensure your language reflects the tentative nature of the assessment to prevent misinterpretations and maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a preliminary basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the provisional or tentative nature of an action or decision. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used to show that something is not yet final.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a preliminary basis" is a versatile phrase used to convey that an action, assessment, or decision is tentative and subject to change. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed. It is most often found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. To ensure clarity, consider specifying what further steps will be taken to confirm the preliminary findings. While appropriate for formal use, avoid presenting preliminary findings as definitive conclusions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Subject to revision

Directly states that something is not final and may be changed later.

Provisionally

Emphasizes the conditional or temporary nature of an arrangement or decision.

On a trial basis

Highlights the experimental or testing aspect of an arrangement.

Tentatively

Conveys a sense of uncertainty or hesitation.

Initially

Focuses on the starting point or the first stage of something.

In the early stages

Highlights the initial phase of development or progress.

For the time being

Indicates that something is true or valid only for the present moment.

Under consideration

Implies that something is being thought about but no decision has been made.

As a first step

Emphasizes the beginning of a process or series of actions.

As a starting point

Suggests the initiation of an action or discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "on a preliminary basis" in a sentence?

You can use "on a preliminary basis" to indicate that something is being considered or accepted provisionally, pending further information or confirmation. For example, "We can accept your offer "on a preliminary basis", pending a full credit check."

What are some alternatives to saying "on a preliminary basis"?

Alternatives include "provisionally", "tentatively", or "subject to revision". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "on a preliminary basis" in formal writing?

Yes, "on a preliminary basis" is appropriate for formal writing. It clearly communicates that an assessment or decision is not yet final and is subject to change based on further information.

What does "on a preliminary basis" mean?

"On a preliminary basis" means that something is done or considered as a first step, but is not yet final or confirmed. It implies that further investigation or review is required.