provisional reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provisional reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when providing a temporary or preliminary response to a question or request, indicating that a final answer will follow later. Example: "Thank you for your inquiry. Here is a provisional reply while we gather more information to provide a complete response."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

TfL's provisional reply to my inquiry about this was that there's "no legal prohibition".

The Guardian

Can those kinds of artistic acts bring about the possibility of change?" The very long title of Mr. Alÿs's exhibition boils down to a short, provisional reply: Sometimes, maybe, yes.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mr. Clinton, who leaves office in less than a month, set a provisional deadline of Wednesday for the replies from the Israeli prime minister, Ehud Barak, and the Palestinian leader, Yasir Arafat.

The New York Times

When she asked one of them under what circumstances they offered provisional ballots to voters, one official replied, "When they're very persistent".

Huffington Post

Provisional squads.

The Guardian - Sport

They are inherently provisional.

The New Yorker

This course outline is provisional.

The Guardian

Neither is provisional.

The New Yorker

It's provisional; it's provisional.

The Guardian - Books

"Everything has become provisional.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why the provisional ballot?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provisional reply" when you need to provide an answer quickly but further information is needed to finalize it. This sets expectations that the answer may change.

Common error

Avoid treating a "provisional reply" as a final answer. Always clarify that it is subject to change based on new information or further analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provisional reply" functions as a noun phrase, where "provisional" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "reply". It describes the reply as temporary or subject to change. According to Ludwig AI, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provisional reply" is used to denote a preliminary or temporary answer that might be subject to change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it's most commonly found in news and media or formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly communicate the temporary nature of the information to avoid misunderstandings. Alternatives such as "tentative answer" or "preliminary response" can also be considered depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tentative answer

Replaces 'reply' with 'answer' to soften the sense of formality or commitment.

preliminary response

Substitutes 'provisional' with 'preliminary' to emphasize the initial nature of the response.

conditional answer

Highlights that the answer is subject to certain conditions or changes.

qualified response

Indicates that the response is not absolute and has limitations or reservations.

interim feedback

Suggests the response is a temporary assessment provided during an ongoing process.

working answer

Implies the answer is still under development or subject to revision.

initial reaction

Emphasizes the immediacy and potentially incomplete nature of the response.

preliminary statement

Replaces 'reply' with 'statement' and indicates the information is initial.

rough answer

Conveys that the answer is approximate and not yet refined.

speculative feedback

Highlights that the answer is based on conjecture and subject to change.

FAQs

How can I use "provisional reply" in a sentence?

You can use "provisional reply" when offering a preliminary answer that may be subject to change. For example: "Here is a "provisional reply" pending further investigation."

What's the difference between "provisional reply" and "final answer"?

A "provisional reply" is a preliminary or temporary answer, while a "final answer" is the conclusive and definitive response.

What can I say instead of "provisional reply"?

Alternatives include "tentative answer", "preliminary response", or "conditional answer" depending on the context.

Is it okay to rely on a "provisional reply" for important decisions?

It's generally not advisable to make critical decisions based solely on a "provisional reply". Always seek confirmation or a "final answer" before proceeding.