provisional name

USAGE SUMMARY

"provisional name" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a name that is temporary or not yet set in stone. For example, "We haven't yet decided on a name for our company, so we're using the provisional name 'Green Enterprise' for now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Its provisional name is ununpentium.

The New Yorker

They decided to form a new party with the provisional name New Agenda.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is seriously big money hovering around Sand Hill Foods, the provisional name of Brown's startup.

The Guardian

In exchange, Greece lifted its embargo, recognized this provisional name and agreed not to block membership in international institutions.

The New York Times

In 1993, the new country joined the UN under its provisional name, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

The Washington Post

We would probably agree that either one is much more colourful than "P4," the moon's provisional name after its discovery in 2011.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Many fresh-water species, especially, must needs be issued under provisional names, awaiting the attention of proper monographers.

University of California, Berkeley

HOMD is based on a curated 16S rRNA gene-based provisional naming scheme.

Protein & Cell

König and her three sisters were ordered under the provisional names S, Ersatz Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm, Ersatz Weissenburg, and Ersatz Brandenburg.

Wikipedia

The Helgoland-class ships SMS Helgoland, SMS Ostfriesland, SMS Thüringen, and SMS Oldenburg were ordered under the provisional names Ersatz Siegfried, Ersatz Oldenburg, Ersatz Beowulf, and Ersatz Frithjof, respectively.

Wikipedia

Four ships of the class were ordered, under the provisional names Ersatz Bayern, Ersatz Sachsen, Ersatz Württemberg, and Ersatz Baden, as replacements for the four old s.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provisional name", clearly indicate the context in which it is being used and the reasons for its temporary nature. This avoids confusion and ensures clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid treating a "provisional name" as a final decision. Continuously review and update as needed to reflect the evolving situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provisional name" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies a name that is temporary or not yet finalized. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

27%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provisional name" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term to describe a temporary name that is subject to change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, as well as Encyclopedias, making it suitable for diverse types of content. When employing "provisional name", ensure you clarify the circumstances behind its temporary status to prevent misunderstandings. Consider using alternative phrases such as "working title" or "tentative title" for stylistic variation. This phrase effectively communicates the impermanent nature of a designation, and using it correctly will enhance the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary name

Similar to provisional, but emphasizes the early stage of naming.

placeholder name

Highlights the function of the name as a temporary stand-in.

working title

Commonly used in creative fields to indicate a name used during development.

tentative title

Emphasizes the uncertainty and possibility of change associated with the name.

interim name

Suggests the name is being used during a transitional period.

temporary designation

Replaces "name" with a more general term "designation", focusing on the temporary aspect.

unofficial name

Indicates the name lacks formal approval or recognition.

initial name

Focuses on the name being the first one assigned, implying it might change.

experimental name

Highlights that the name might change based on testing and feedback.

codename

Often used in projects or operations to refer to something in a secret or temporary way.

FAQs

How do I use "provisional name" in a sentence?

You can use "provisional name" to indicate that a name is temporary or subject to change. For example, "The project's "provisional name" is 'Alpha', but that may change."

What is a good alternative to "provisional name"?

Alternatives include "working title", "tentative title", or "placeholder name", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "provisional name" in formal writing?

Yes, "provisional name" is suitable for formal writing when you need to specify that a name is not yet finalized. Just ensure the reason for its provisional status is clear.

What's the difference between "provisional name" and "codename"?

"Provisional name" generally refers to a temporary name that will eventually be replaced by an official one. "Codename" usually suggests a more secretive or project-specific temporary identifier, often used for security reasons.