Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
preliminary phrasing
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "preliminary phrasing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an initial or draft formulation of ideas or statements before finalization. Example: "In our meeting, we discussed the preliminary phrasing of the proposal to ensure clarity and coherence."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Field tests 1 3 evaluated how novice and advanced students respond to different scenarios, how often they select particular responses, and how they respond to the wording and phrasing of preliminary items (overall response rate = 31.3%).
Science
My thoughts are preliminary, informed by that phrase in the chief justice's voting rights opinion: current conditions.
News & Media
Patient experience is a term that encapsulates a number of dimensions, and in preliminary database searches, this phrase, on its own, uncovered a limited number of useful studies.
Science
The label of the condensed phrase was referred to a preliminary code and was related to the comprehensive content of the phrase.
Science
Preliminary YouTube search using the specific search phrase delivered more relevant results than "Invisalign" and "Invisalign testimonials" and therefore selected for the study.
Science
Another phrase used by Bradley in his preliminary discussion of metaphysics is "the study of first principles," or ultimate, irrefutable truths.
Encyclopedias
The search methodology was informed by the quality standards and guidelines for realist syntheses put forward by Wong et al. 14 16 Preliminary searches have indicated that 'older adults' or related phrasing is not often included in titles or abstracts.
Science
Initially an open coding scheme was used, whereby responses were analysed and a preliminary code assigned either to an actual word or phrase from the text (e.g. I was scared) or a more general topic (e.g. embarrassed/shame).
Science
To do that a preliminary study on comparison between automatically and manually selected term-like phrases was performed with the help of two professional chemical scientists who picked out the term-like phrases from a limited set of a few arbitrarily selected documents.
Science
This was followed by preliminary coding data by identifying how the respondents conceptualized certain key phrases and words.
Science
— LYNN ZINSER The American men's water polo team finished off a hard-fought (yes, that's a redundant phrase in water polo) 10-8 victoveroveRomaniain in a preliminary round game.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "preliminary phrasing", clarify that it is subject to change or refinement to avoid misinterpretations of finality.
Common error
Avoid treating "preliminary phrasing" as definitive. Ensure stakeholders understand that it is still evolving to allow for feedback and adjustments.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "preliminary phrasing" functions as a descriptor, specifying that the "phrasing" is in an initial or draft stage. This indicates that the wording is not final and is subject to potential changes or refinements. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.
Frequent in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "preliminary phrasing" refers to the initial or draft wording of something, indicating that it is not yet final. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates a lack of real-world examples, making it less common. Related phrases include "initial wording" and "draft phrasing". When using this phrase, it's important to clarify that the phrasing is subject to change. It’s most likely to appear in formal or technical contexts due to the term "preliminary". Though the current usage is low, "preliminary phrasing" remains a clear and acceptable way to describe wording that is still in development.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
preliminary wording
Synonymous replacement of 'phrasing' with 'wording'.
initial wording
Focuses on the fact that the phrasing is at the beginning stage.
draft phrasing
Emphasizes the phrasing is a version in progress.
first draft
Specifies this is the first iteration of the phrasing.
early phrasing
Indicates the phrasing is at an early point of formulation.
initial draft
Highlights the combination of the start and being in development stages.
tentative phrasing
Suggests the phrasing is subject to change and not yet final.
working draft
Emphasizes that the phrasing is currently in development and subject to revisions.
proposed phrasing
Highlights that the phrasing is being suggested for consideration.
initial formulation
Switches from phrasing to the more formal 'formulation'.
FAQs
How can I use "preliminary phrasing" in a sentence?
You might say, "The committee reviewed the "preliminary phrasing" of the new policy before its final approval."
What are some alternatives to "preliminary phrasing"?
Consider using alternatives such as "initial wording", "draft phrasing", or "tentative phrasing" depending on the context.
Is "preliminary phrasing" the same as "final phrasing"?
No, ""preliminary phrasing"" refers to the initial or draft version, while final phrasing is the approved and definitive wording.
When is it appropriate to use the term "preliminary phrasing"?
Use ""preliminary phrasing"" when discussing the early stages of developing written content, indicating that the wording is not yet finalized.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested