preliminary thinking about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary thinking about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing initial ideas or considerations regarding a topic or project before reaching a final conclusion. Example: "Our team is currently engaged in preliminary thinking about the new marketing strategy for next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A new edition is out, and it includes his preliminary thinking about the 2012 election.

The New York Times

In a federal courtroom here on Monday, Judge Philip S. Gutierrez, of the United States District Court for the Central District of California, peppered lawyers on various sides of the dispute with questions that were intended, by his own description, to telegraph his preliminary thinking about issues in a case that has been long-running and, occasionally, bizarre.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Worth thinking about, indeed.

The New York Times

Thinking about makes me weepy.

Los Angeles Times

With this preliminary data in hand, we started thinking about how we might translate this finding into a product that others could use.

Science Magazine

At the George Street Playhouse, next door to Crossroads, the artistic director has also begun thinking about next year's plays, but the plans are in the "very preliminary" stage, said George Stotts, the managing director.

The New York Times

Start thinking about privacy.

The New Yorker

"Still thinking about it".

The New York Times

New thinking about budgets.

The New York Times

Worth thinking about.

The New Yorker

Once you really get thinking about thinking.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminary thinking about", follow it with a clear indication of the subject being considered to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid presenting "preliminary thinking about" as definitive conclusions. Ensure that you frame these ideas as initial and subject to change based on further information or analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary thinking about" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase followed by a noun phrase. It introduces a process of early consideration or initial assessment. The purpose of this combination is to signal that the ideas being presented are not yet fully formed or finalized, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science & Research

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preliminary thinking about" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate early-stage considerations or ideas regarding a topic. As Ludwig AI states, its use signals that the ideas being presented are not yet fully developed. While relatively rare, the phrase appears mainly in news, media, and scientific contexts. For alternative expressions, consider using phrases like "initial consideration of" or "early thoughts on". When using "preliminary thinking about", ensure to clarify the subject under consideration and avoid presenting these initial ideas as definitive conclusions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial consideration of

This alternative emphasizes the act of considering something at the beginning.

early thoughts on

Focuses on the thoughts someone has in the early stages of consideration.

preliminary ideas regarding

Highlights the initial ideas and replaces "thinking" with "ideas".

initial assessment of

Emphasizes the initial evaluation or judgment of a topic.

early assessment of

Like above alternative but with more focus on timeframe.

first impressions regarding

Highlights the very first thoughts and feelings about something.

initial conceptualization of

Focuses on the forming of an initial concept or idea.

early theorizing about

Relates to forming initial theories or hypotheses.

tentative plans for

Focuses on plans that are not yet finalized or fully developed.

exploratory consideration of

Highlights the exploratory nature of the initial thinking.

FAQs

How can I use "preliminary thinking about" in a sentence?

You can use "preliminary thinking about" to introduce initial ideas or considerations regarding a topic. For example, "Our team is engaged in "preliminary thinking about" the new marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "preliminary thinking about"?

Alternatives include "initial consideration of", "early thoughts on", or "preliminary ideas regarding" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "preliminary thinking about" in formal writing?

Yes, "preliminary thinking about" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing the early stages of a project or research. However, be sure to maintain a professional tone throughout your writing.

How does "preliminary thinking about" differ from "final conclusions about"?

"Preliminary thinking about" refers to the initial stages of consideration, where ideas are still being developed. In contrast, "final conclusions about" indicates that a decision or judgment has been reached based on thorough analysis.