preliminary proposal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary proposal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an initial suggestion or plan that is subject to further discussion or revision. Example: "The team submitted a preliminary proposal for the new project, which will be reviewed in the upcoming meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

At the same hearing, David Vladeck, director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection for the FTC, announced that the agency was "in the midst of making significant revisions to its preliminary proposal' and that these changes would "share much in common" with new standards proposed by an industry group last summer.

Huffington Post

A preliminary proposal to the Pensions Regulator was then withdrawn.

The Guardian - Business

The agencies released the preliminary proposal in December.

The New York Times

Mr. Kayser faxed a three-page preliminary proposal to dozens of book editors in the city.

The New York Times

In its preliminary proposal, Blackstone suggested that it would pay over $14.25 a share for Dell.

The New York Times

Within two weeks, SPX, a competitor of Gardner's, submitted a preliminary proposal to acquire the company.

The New York Times

The site is in Community School District 26, which, under the preliminary proposal, would receive a 650-seat elementary school.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Preliminary proposals are due in the coming weeks.

The New York Times

It is expected to review the preliminary proposals and narrow the list before asking for formal proposals.

The New York Times

Preliminary proposals call for the super league to have at least 32 teams, divided into two tiers.

The Guardian

Last month, the consulting engineers developing the plan presented their preliminary proposals to a crucial M.T.A. advisory committee.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always follow up a "preliminary proposal" with a more detailed and refined version based on the initial feedback.

Common error

Don't treat a "preliminary proposal" as a definitive document. Ensure stakeholders understand it's open to revisions and not a binding commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary proposal" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in contexts involving offers, plans, and suggestions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary proposal" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that introduces an initial plan or idea. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in news, science, and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, it is crucial to emphasize its tentative nature and encourage feedback, as demonstrated by the Ludwig examples. While alternatives such as ""initial draft"" or "tentative offer" exist, "preliminary proposal" maintains a neutral and widely accepted tone. The key is to not treat it as final or binding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial draft

Focuses on the early stage of document creation, emphasizing its unfinished nature.

preliminary plan

Emphasizes the planning aspect, suggesting an initial outline of actions.

initial suggestion

Highlights the aspect of offering an idea for consideration.

tentative offer

Implies a conditional or unconfirmed proposition.

working draft

Highlights that the proposal is still under development and subject to changes.

first version

Focuses on the stage of development, indicating that it is the first iteration.

advance submission

Highlights the action of submitting something ahead of a deadline.

early concept

Emphasizes the idea or notion behind the proposal in its early stages.

preliminary outline

Focuses on the structural aspect, indicating a skeletal version of the proposal.

exploratory proposition

Highlights the investigative nature of the proposal, intended for initial assessment.

FAQs

What does "preliminary proposal" mean?

A "preliminary proposal" refers to an initial plan or suggestion that is subject to further discussion, refinement, and potential changes. It is not a final or binding document.

How do I introduce a "preliminary proposal" in a presentation?

You can introduce it by stating that you are presenting an initial outline of ideas, emphasizing that feedback is welcome and the proposal is open to revisions. For example: "Today, I'll present an "initial draft" for consideration."

What can I say instead of "preliminary proposal"?

You can use alternatives like ""initial draft"", "tentative offer", or "working draft" depending on the context.

Is a "preliminary proposal" binding?

No, a "preliminary proposal" is generally not binding. It serves as a starting point for negotiations and discussions, and its terms are subject to change until a final agreement is reached.