preliminary answers

USAGE SUMMARY

'preliminary answers' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation where a response is still incomplete or in the early stages of development. For example, "Our team has been researching the matter and have obtained some preliminary answers, but we still have more work to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

But two preliminary answers stand out.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other recent studies provide some preliminary answers.

The New York Times

Some preliminary answers to this digital quandary are emerging.

The New York Times - Tech

The conversation was supposed to generate preliminary answers to the question: What to do on the roof?

The New Yorker

On the substantive front, we now have preliminary answers to two key questions: What did the agency do wrong?

The New Yorker

SOUTH BEND, Ind., Sept. 1 — Once Saturday's game began, Notre Dame's optimism turned to angst, and some of the pertinent questions surrounding the Fighting Irish received preliminary answers: How much would they miss their former quarterback Brady Quinn, now with the Cleveland Browns?

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

I've found a preliminary answer.

The New York Times

The Cubans have a second program to deliver, but the preliminary answer is that the similarities outweigh the differences.

The New York Times - Arts

A preliminary answer, based on the initial fallout of the revelations, published, last Thursday, by the glossy magazine Closer, is both yes and no.

The New Yorker

Nine outs into the Mets' inaugural game at Citi Field, a rain-delayed 4-3 victory against the Boston Red Sox, and a preliminary answer to their new ballpark's most pressing riddle — how will it play?

The New York Times - Sports

But a preliminary answer from the meeting is that social and liberal democracy is about cramming 500 people with the most formidable personal hygiene problems every assembled at a British party conference, into a room built to accommodate 50.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preliminary answers" when you want to emphasize that your responses are not final and may be subject to change as more information becomes available.

Common error

Avoid presenting "preliminary answers" as final or conclusive, especially in situations where certainty is required. Always clarify the tentative nature of the information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary answers" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "preliminary" modifies the noun "answers". It's commonly used to indicate that the answers provided are not yet complete or definitive. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary answers" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe initial or incomplete responses to a question or problem. As Ludwig AI highlights, it signifies that the answers are not final and are subject to change. This phrase is frequently found in scientific and news contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. When using "preliminary answers", it's crucial to emphasize the tentative nature of the information to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "initial responses" and "tentative solutions" can be used to convey a similar meaning while adjusting the level of formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial answers

Changes only the wording and maintains the original meaning.

initial responses

Replaces 'answers' with a synonym, maintaining the sense of a first attempt at addressing something.

provisional responses

Suggests a temporary or conditional set of answers.

preliminary findings

Emphasizes that the results or data obtained are at an early stage of investigation

tentative solutions

Shifts from 'answers' to 'solutions', implying a possible but not definitive resolution.

early findings

Focuses on the results or data obtained at an early stage of investigation.

preliminary conclusions

Emphasizes drawing conclusions that might change with more information.

initial assessments

Highlights an initial evaluation rather than a definitive answer.

early indications

Focuses on signs or hints that suggest an answer is emerging.

working hypotheses

Implies the answers are still in the form of testable explanations.

FAQs

How can I use "preliminary answers" in a sentence?

You can use "preliminary answers" to indicate that you have some initial responses to a question or problem, but they are not yet fully developed or confirmed. For example, "We have gathered some "preliminary answers", but further research is needed."

What are some alternatives to using "preliminary answers"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "initial responses", "tentative solutions", or "early findings".

Is it appropriate to use "preliminary answers" in a formal report?

Yes, it is appropriate as long as you clearly indicate that the answers are not yet final and that further investigation is ongoing. This ensures transparency and manages expectations.

What's the difference between "preliminary answers" and "final answers"?

"Preliminary answers" are initial, incomplete responses that may change, while "final answers" represent the definitive and confirmed solutions or conclusions.