preliminary finding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary finding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to initial results or conclusions drawn from research or analysis that may be subject to further investigation or confirmation. Example: "The preliminary finding suggests a correlation between the two variables, but further studies are needed to validate this result."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This novel, although preliminary, finding suggests that assessment of SP may result in a relatively accurate predictor of emetic symptoms induced by general anesthesia.

JA Clinical Reports

Another interesting, though preliminary, finding of our study was the outstanding prognostic significance of postoperative nodal status.

British Journal of Cancer

Its preliminary finding is that there is no clear pattern.

The New York Times - Tech

And like any other preliminary finding, this discovery has to be confirmed by other researchers.

The New York Times - Health

Last year, the bureau determined in its preliminary finding that both groups descend from Pequot Indians.

The New York Times

"Our preliminary finding is that we have found no demonstration that that has happened.

Independent

Now — in a very preliminary finding — the Neanderthals are weighing in.

The New York Times - Science

The university released the department's preliminary finding and its response on Tuesday.

The New York Times

But a judge has issued a preliminary finding that there is not enough evidence of tampering to nullify the result.

The New York Times

He held an 11 a.m. news conference in Houston to release his preliminary finding on the videos.

The New York Times

The critical assessment was released this week as part of a preliminary finding to a final report due in July.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preliminary finding" to introduce results that require further investigation or validation to signal to the audience that the research is ongoing.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "preliminary finding" as definitive proof. Clearly indicate that further research is needed to confirm the initial results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary finding" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an initial result or conclusion derived from a study or investigation. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is used to present findings that are not yet fully confirmed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary finding" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe initial results or conclusions that require further investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, primarily in science and news. When using this phrase, it's crucial to acknowledge the limitations of the current data and avoid overstating the significance of the results. Alternative phrases like "initial result" or "tentative conclusion" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to clearly state that further research is necessary to validate the "preliminary finding" and avoid presenting it as definitive proof.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary result

A more concise alternative that retains the core meaning of being initial.

initial discovery

Emphasizes the discovery aspect but retains the sense of being at an early stage.

initial assessment

Emphasizes the assessment aspect and its position at the beginning.

early result

Focuses on the result being obtained early in a process or study.

tentative conclusion

Highlights the uncertainty and potential revisability of the conclusion.

provisional assessment

Stresses the assessment aspect and its temporary or conditional nature.

pilot study outcome

Refers specifically to the results from a small-scale, initial study.

exploratory result

Highlights that the result is derived from exploratory research.

interim report

Indicates a report made during the middle of a project.

early indication

Emphasizes the indication or sign aspect, being in the early phase.

FAQs

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

You can use "preliminary finding" to introduce an early result or conclusion that needs more investigation. For example: "The "preliminary finding" suggests a correlation, but more data is required."

What's the difference between "preliminary finding" and "final conclusion"?

"Preliminary finding" indicates an initial result that may change with further research, while "final conclusion" represents a definitive outcome after thorough investigation.

Are there other ways to say "preliminary finding"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "initial result", "tentative conclusion", or "early indication" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "preliminary finding"?

Use "preliminary finding" when you want to communicate that the results are not yet fully confirmed and further studies are necessary. It's appropriate in scientific reports, research papers, and investigative journalism.