preliminary observation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary observation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to initial findings or insights gathered before a more detailed analysis or study is conducted. Example: "The preliminary observation indicates that there may be a correlation between the two variables, warranting further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a preliminary observation, the presence of peaks in the observed probability density surrounding aligned TSS and predicted promoters suggest that some of our motifs have a strong positional bias relative to TSS and predicted promoters.

BMC Genomics

Such a preliminary observation seemed to give further confirmation that their overexpression, similar to what was observed in BRCA-mutated cases, could mimic BRCAness phenotype.

Cell Death and Disease

Moreover, preliminary observation suggested that the holes in flowers in a single meadow are often all made on the same side.

The Economist

Further investigations are needed to confirm this preliminary observation.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

In itself, that preliminary observation tells physicists nothing new about the relationship between matter and antimatter.

Science Magazine

The gender gap narrowed, which confirms our preliminary observation from the statistics yearbook.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

PRP presents as a promising option based on our preliminary observation.

Techniques in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management

Based on the preliminary observation in our case study, 21.5% of read operations are extremely vulnerable to PV impacts.

Integration

This preliminary observation, which demands further analysis, shows that, depending on the time of the week, it could be beneficial to pick one provider or another.

EPJ Data Science

Compound microscope (BX60; Olympus Corp., LakeSuccess, NY) was used for preliminary observation, while Nikon TE-2000E Melvillepe (Melville, NY) was used for detailed examination and imaging.

Chemistry Central Journal

Preliminary observation demonstrated that after 48 h of exposure to a solution of AgNO3 at 1,000 ppm, the cell structures in leaf tissues were seriously injured.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminary observation", clearly state that further investigation or analysis is needed to confirm the finding.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "preliminary observation" as a definitive conclusion. Ensure the language reflects the tentative nature of the finding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary observation" functions as a noun phrase modified by the adjective "preliminary". It serves to introduce an initial finding or insight that warrants further investigation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

86%

News & Media

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary observation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in scientific and formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to introduce an initial finding that requires further scrutiny. It is crucial to avoid overstating the significance of such observations and to ensure the language reflects their tentative nature. Alternatives like "initial finding" or "early result" can be used depending on the specific context. The phrase's formal register makes it suitable for academic and professional writing, but less appropriate for informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial finding

Focuses on the result aspect rather than the observational aspect.

early finding

Highlights the temporal aspect of the observation.

preliminary conclusion

Highlights the initial and potentially incomplete nature of the result.

initial assessment

Emphasizes the evaluative nature of the early view.

early detection

Focuses on the act of finding something early on.

initial data

Focuses on the data collected at the beginning.

tentative conclusion

Stresses the provisional nature of the derived idea.

pilot study result

Specifically references the outcome of a pilot study.

cursory examination

Implies a brief and not very thorough look.

initial glimpse

Emphasizes the brief and incomplete nature of the sighting.

FAQs

How is "preliminary observation" typically used in a sentence?

It's often used to introduce an initial finding that requires further investigation. For example, "Our "preliminary observation" suggests a correlation, but more research is needed."

What are some alternatives to "preliminary observation"?

You could use phrases like "initial finding", "early result", or "tentative conclusion", depending on the context.

Is "preliminary observation" formal or informal?

"Preliminary observation" is suitable for formal and scientific writing. In more casual contexts, you might opt for a simpler phrase like "early look".

What's the difference between "preliminary observation" and "hypothesis"?

A "preliminary observation" is an initial finding, while a "hypothesis" is a testable statement based on existing knowledge or observations. A preliminary observation might lead to forming a hypothesis.