preliminary offer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary offer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an initial proposal or bid that is subject to further negotiation or approval. Example: "We are pleased to present our preliminary offer for the project, which outlines the key terms and conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"I think it might be just a preliminary offer," he said.

The New York Times

Any preliminary offer is nonbinding and is part of a only first round of bids.

The New York Times

That backs up a preliminary offer that KSL, a private equity firm, made last week.

The New York Times

The agreement comes after a preliminary offer from Coca-Cola was rescinded and maneuvers by Danone of France were abandoned.

The New York Times

Royalty Pharma said it first contacted the chairman of Elan on Feb. 18, making a preliminary offer two days later.

The New York Times

Under a preliminary offer, RP Management, or Royalty Pharma, disclosed an $11-a-share 11-a-share 11-a-share

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Yesterday bidders were submitting preliminary offers for the unit.

The New York Times

They have until mid-April to submit preliminary offers.

The New York Times

Trump extended preliminary offers to several qualified contenders, but they turned him down, citing other commitments.

The Washington Post

Oct. 23: Both Silver Lake and K.K.R. submitted preliminary offers for the computer company.

The New York Times

The short list of prospective buyers has been winnowed to 6 from 24 who made preliminary offers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminary offer", ensure that you clearly state any conditions or caveats attached to the offer. This avoids misunderstandings and sets appropriate expectations.

Common error

Avoid treating a "preliminary offer" as a binding agreement. Always emphasize that it is subject to further negotiation and due diligence to prevent legal complications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary offer" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "preliminary" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "offer". It describes the nature of the offer as being initial and not yet final. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary offer" is a grammatically correct and common term used to describe an initial, non-binding proposal. As Ludwig AI verifies, its structure as a noun phrase makes it suitable for various professional contexts, particularly in news reporting and business negotiations. The frequency analysis shows it's predominantly found in "News & Media", with less common usage in other categories. While the phrase is generally neutral to professional, it's crucial to emphasize its non-final nature to avoid misunderstandings. Alternatives include "initial bid" or "tentative offer", depending on the context. Always clarify the conditions associated with a "preliminary offer" to ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary proposal

A synonymous variation that emphasizes the initial nature of the proposal, similar to "preliminary offer".

initial bid

Focuses on the first formal proposal made in a bidding process.

opening proposal

Emphasizes the start of negotiations and suggests room for adjustment.

tentative offer

Highlights the conditional and non-final nature of the offer.

indicative offer

Suggests the offer is an indication of potential terms, subject to due diligence.

non-binding offer

Specifies that the offer does not create a legal obligation.

exploratory bid

Implies the offer is made to explore possibilities and gather information.

early stage proposal

Highlights the immaturity and potential for significant changes.

initial terms

Focuses on the conditions presented at the beginning of a negotiation.

trial balloon

Suggests an offer floated to gauge reaction and assess viability.

FAQs

What does "preliminary offer" mean?

A "preliminary offer" refers to an initial proposal that is not yet final and is subject to change based on further negotiations and due diligence.

What can I say instead of "preliminary offer"?

You can use alternatives like "initial bid", "opening proposal", or "tentative offer" depending on the context.

How is a "preliminary offer" different from a final offer?

A "preliminary offer" is non-binding and subject to change, whereas a final offer is intended to be the conclusive terms of an agreement.

Is a "preliminary offer" legally binding?

Generally, a "preliminary offer" is not legally binding unless explicitly stated otherwise and accepted by all parties involved. It's crucial to confirm its legal status in writing.