on a tentative basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a tentative basis" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is not yet confirmed or final, possibly subject to change. Example: "The company agreed to hire me on a tentative basis until my background check is complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Overheard in a Madison Avenue elevator, one dispatch case to another: "In this instance, I am totally committed on a tentative basis".

The New Yorker

By Noel Riggs and Philip Hamburger The New Yorker, October 24, 1970 P. 41 Overheard in a Madison Avenue elevator, one dispatch case to another: "In this instance, I am totally committed on a tentative basis".

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, October 24, 1970 P. 41 Overheard in a Madison Avenue elevator, one dispatch case to another: "In this instance, I am totally committed on a tentative basis".

The New Yorker

Though she had previously been told that she would be teaching four courses in the fall, officials said this was done on a tentative basis.

The New York Times

Mr. Prial joined The Times as a reporter in 1970 and began his column on a tentative basis after writing articles about food and wine on his travels to France with his wife.

The New York Times - Food

Although established on a tentative basis, the school's early success led to its move to a larger, purpose-built site in south Tonbridge in 1896.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Planning for the studio-sponsored events that usually follow the Globes has proceeded, but only on the most tentative basis.

The New York Times

Dynamic 'methyl/phos' switching modules also provide a tentative molecular basis for heritable transcriptional memories.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

The keyword which unites all is art the art of cultivating, producing, marketing science as a tentative art, on a daily basis, which makes it possible to understand, from its analytical procedures, parts of reality and the art absorbed in learning and which expresses all that we are and what moves our lives and which we do not completely understand.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Throughout the second quarter, manufacturing continued to show very weak performance vis-à-vis 2008 levels, although the sector has shown some tentative signs of improvement on a monthly basis.

Forbes

In 1984, when he was 19, Darryl, an African-American man, was convicted of a crime he didn't commit, the rape and murder of a young white woman in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on the basis of a tentative eyewitness identification and the pressured testimony of a girlfriend who later recanted.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on a tentative basis", ensure that the context clearly indicates what conditions would make the arrangement permanent. Be specific about the factors that could lead to a final decision.

Common error

Avoid treating arrangements made "on a tentative basis" as if they are guaranteed. Always acknowledge the potential for change to prevent misunderstandings and unmet expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a tentative basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is carried out. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something is done provisionally or not yet definitively.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a tentative basis" serves as an adverbial phrase to indicate that something is provisional, conditional, or not yet finalized. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's important to understand its nuance, with alternatives like "provisionally" or "on a trial basis" being more precise depending on the intended meaning. Remember to specify conditions for permanence and avoid treating tentative arrangements as guaranteed outcomes. Although its use is not as frequent as more common phrases, its distinct meaning makes it a valuable part of your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provisionally

This is a single-word adverb which directly conveys the meaning of "on a tentative basis" in a more concise way.

on a provisional basis

A more formal synonym that indicates the arrangement is not yet permanent or fully agreed upon.

on a conditional basis

Highlights that certain conditions need to be met for the agreement or arrangement to be firm.

on a trial basis

Focuses on the experimental aspect, where something is tested before a more permanent decision is made.

subject to confirmation

Highlights the aspect of needing further approval or validation before being final.

on an interim basis

Implies that the situation is temporary and will be re-evaluated later.

pending approval

Emphasizes that the action or decision is waiting for a formal approval process.

under consideration

Indicates that something is being thought about, but no decision has been reached.

as a preliminary measure

Stresses that it's an initial step that might be followed by other actions.

for the time being

Suggests the temporary nature of the arrangement until a more permanent solution is found.

FAQs

What does "on a tentative basis" mean?

It means something is not yet final or confirmed, and is subject to change or cancellation. It implies a degree of uncertainty or conditionality.

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

For example: "The project was approved "on a tentative basis", pending the results of the market analysis."

What are some alternatives to "on a tentative basis"?

Alternatives include "provisionally", "on a trial basis", or "subject to confirmation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "on a tentative basis" formal or informal?

It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "on a provisional basis" might be preferred in highly formal settings.