preliminary results

USAGE SUMMARY

"preliminary results" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the first or initial results of a research project or process. For example, you could say "We have received the preliminary results of our experiment, and the results look very promising."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"These are preliminary results".

The New York Times

Preliminary results published.

The Guardian

Preliminary results were leaked nevertheless.

The Guardian

The preliminary results look good.

The New York Times

The preliminary results are staggering.

The New York Times - Science

Preliminary results should start coming in soon.

The New York Times

Preliminary results will be presented.

University of California, Berkeley

Preliminary results are available here.

Harvard University

The preliminary results are remarkable.

Columbia University

Preliminary results are expected Dec. 7.

The New York Times

Preliminary results are expected Saturday or Sunday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "preliminary results", clearly state the limitations of the data and emphasize that these findings are subject to change as more data becomes available. This manages expectations and maintains transparency.

Common error

Avoid drawing definitive conclusions based solely on "preliminary results". Ensure that you frame the findings as tentative and exploratory, rather than conclusive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary results" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to denote the early or initial findings of a study, experiment, or process. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preliminary results" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe early findings. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, it's essential to acknowledge the inherent limitations and potential for changes. Alternative phrases such as ""initial findings"" or ""early outcomes"" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Remember to avoid overstating the significance of "preliminary results" and always frame them as tentative and exploratory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial findings

Replaces "results" with a more general term, focusing on the aspect of discovery.

early outcomes

Substitutes "results" with "outcomes", highlighting the consequences or effects observed early on.

interim findings

Replaces 'preliminary' with 'interim', suggesting the results are temporary or provisional.

pilot study results

Specifies the results are from a pilot study, indicating a smaller-scale preliminary investigation.

first-stage outcomes

Emphasizes the temporal aspect, referring to the outcomes of the first stage of a process.

preliminary data

Focuses on the raw data collected rather than the interpreted results.

early readouts

Uses a more informal term, 'readouts', suggesting an initial interpretation of data.

preliminary observations

Highlights the observational aspect of the early findings.

early indications

Suggests that the results are providing signs or hints of something, rather than definitive answers.

preliminary assessment

Highlights the evaluation and judgment aspect of the early findings.

FAQs

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

You can use "preliminary results" to introduce early findings that are subject to change. For example, "The "preliminary results" suggest a positive trend, but further investigation is needed."

What's a good alternative to "preliminary results"?

Alternatives include "initial findings", "early outcomes", or "interim findings", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Are "preliminary results" the same as "final results"?

No, "preliminary results" refer to the initial, often incomplete, findings of a study or process, while final results represent the complete and verified outcomes after all data has been collected and analyzed. It's important not to confuse the two.

When is it appropriate to share "preliminary results"?

It is appropriate to share "preliminary results" when you want to provide an early indication of potential outcomes, but it's crucial to clearly communicate that these results are not yet definitive and may change. Be transparent about the limitations of the data.