preliminary

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "preliminary" is a valid word in the English language and is widely used.
You can use the word when referring to something that has been done as a preparation for something more important. Example sentence: The research team has completed the preliminary stage of the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We closed the park immediately whilst preliminary investigations took place and to give our staff time to come to terms with the accident and its aftermath.

The Guardian

There is no evidence of the preliminary tentative mark, of the initial hesitant touch of the pencil or crayon that would allow the artist to get his bearings and select the position for the first expressive line.

The Guardian - Arts

In 2011 there were 101 methamphetamine-related deaths in Australia, up from 85 in 2010, and preliminary projections for 2012 and 2013 data of up to 170 deaths suggested a continuing trend.

The Guardian

A preliminary report from the scene by Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe found that the 12 dead and 17 wounded passengers had been hit by shrapnel from a nearby rocket impact.

The Guardian

"The circumstance that torn-up current medical certificates – also pertaining to the day of the act – were found, supports, after preliminary examination, the assumption that the deceased hid his illness from his employer and his professional circles".

The Guardian

As Ange Postecoglou prepares to name his preliminary squad for next month's World Cup, the former Socceroos captain Paul Wade has delivered some heartening news for Australia's opponents in Brazil.

The Guardian - Sport

The UK's only Green MP, Caroline Lucas, would not have been able to win her seat, according to the preliminary figures.

The Guardian

The battle between last year's two beaten preliminary finalists on Saturday night lived up to its billing.

The Guardian - Sport

"Had it been the barber from Bussoleno, we would have been more forgiving," one of them confided to a journalist at the preliminary hearing.

The Guardian - Opinion

He trailed Jonas Hogh-Christensen throughout the preliminary 10-race series and looked beaten in the medal race.

The Guardian - Sport

Additionally, it is already apparent that the supply activities will continue to feature politically ahead of the 7 May General Election, and with preliminary findings due from the CMA in June.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminary", clearly indicate what the final or complete version will be. This provides context and avoids confusion.

Common error

Avoid presenting "preliminary" findings without emphasizing their tentative nature. Always clarify that further analysis is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The word "preliminary" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something is an initial or preparatory stage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests that something is not yet complete or finalized. Examples include "preliminary results" or "preliminary investigation".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "preliminary" signifies an initial or preparatory stage, denoting that something is not yet finalized. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and widespread applicability across various contexts. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, highlighting its role in conveying tentative information. To ensure clear communication, remember to indicate what the final version will be, and avoid presenting preliminary results as definitive findings. Alternatives like "initial", "introductory", and "preparatory" can be used based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial

Focuses on the starting point or beginning phase.

introductory

Emphasizes the act of introducing something.

preparatory

Highlights the preparation aspect.

starting

Indicates the commencement of an action or process.

early

Refers to an early stage of development or process.

pilot

Suggests a trial or experimental phase.

test

Implies an evaluation before full implementation.

exploratory

Focuses on exploring possibilities or options.

provisional

Indicates a temporary or conditional arrangement.

tentative

Suggests a lack of certainty or finality.

FAQs

How to use "preliminary" in a sentence?

You can use "preliminary" to describe initial findings, actions, or versions that are subject to change. For example, "These are just the "preliminary results"".

What is the difference between "preliminary" and "final"?

"Preliminary" refers to something that is initial or preparatory, while "final" indicates the completed or definitive version. So, "preliminary report" refers to a document that may still undergo changes, unlike a final one.

What can I say instead of "preliminary"?

You can use alternatives like "initial", "introductory", or "preparatory" depending on the specific context.

Is "preliminary" formal or informal?

"Preliminary" is generally considered a neutral to formal term, suitable for use in professional, academic, and news contexts. It's less common in very informal settings.