provisionally named

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provisionally named" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a temporary name assigned to something that may change in the future. Example: "The new species of plant has been provisionally named 'Flora Nova' until further research is conducted."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Coates wants to go to universities in September and recruit graduates for the scheme, provisionally named "Unlock-ed".

The Guardian

The pair have teamed up to create a subsidiary, provisionally named Newco, which could eventually be spun off.

The Guardian - Tech

The two main non-Indian art styles in the whole region have been provisionally named the "monumental" and the "ornamental-fanciful".

Encyclopedia Britannica

These organisms, peripherically related to Clostridium phylogenetic group I, have been provisionally named 'Candidatus Arthromitus'.

Research in Microbiology

As a result he's already planning to offer a new product provisionally named Evernote Century.

BBC

BBC One controller Danny Cohen said the show, provisionally named Pompidou, would be "wonderfully original and ambitious".

BBC

The viral genome was fully sequenced, found to be similar to other polyomaviruses in gene architecture and provisionally named Alpaca polyomavirus or AlPyV.

Veterinary Microbiology

Present efforts to merge the two resources into a novel, schematically enhanced database, provisionally named Transgenic and Targeted Mutation Database (TTMD), will be briefly discussed.

Physiology & Behavior

Richie Gray has passed a fitness test on an ankle injury after being provisionally named in the Scotland side to face New Zealand on Sunday.

BBC

The two features, provisionally named Wright Mons and Piccard Mons, are mounds of ice with rims that tower as high as 5 or 6 kilometers above the surface.

Science Magazine

This plan was provisionally named the "Saessak Plan", which means sprout plan, by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provisionally named", be clear about the reason for the provisional nature of the name. Is it due to ongoing research, pending approval, or some other factor?

Common error

Avoid using "provisionally named" if the intention is to convey a permanent name. The term explicitly indicates a temporary designation, so it is crucial to revisit and finalize the naming when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provisionally named" functions as a compound verb phrase, where "provisionally" modifies the verb "named". It indicates that the act of naming is temporary or subject to change. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used in scientific and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provisionally named" is a frequently used phrase, according to Ludwig, serving the function of indicating that a name is temporary and subject to change. Its usage spans across various fields, from science to news, with a tendency towards neutral and formal contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure clarity regarding the reasons behind the provisional naming. Alternatives like "tentatively titled" or "temporarily designated" can be considered based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember, the phrase signals impermanence, so avoid using it when referring to a permanent name.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tentatively titled

Replaces "named" with "titled", emphasizing a preliminary title rather than a general name. "Tentatively" also suggests a higher degree of uncertainty.

temporarily designated

Substitutes "named" with "designated", focusing on the act of assigning a temporary label or identifier.

preliminarily identified

Replaces "named" with "identified", implying a preliminary identification before a formal naming process.

initially termed

Uses "termed" instead of "named", suggesting the use of a specific terminology, and "initially" highlighting the starting point.

subject to change name

Directly states that the name may be altered later, highlighting the provisional aspect more explicitly.

working title

This is commonly used in creative contexts (books, movies) and indicates the name is not final.

informally called

Focuses on the informal usage of the name, suggesting it's not officially recognized.

so-called

Indicates the name is commonly used but might be inaccurate or questioned.

dubbed for now

Emphasizes the current, but potentially fleeting, nature of the naming.

tagged provisionally

Replaces "named" with "tagged", focusing on the act of labeling or marking something temporarily.

FAQs

How do I use "provisionally named" in a sentence?

You can use "provisionally named" to indicate that something has been given a temporary name. For example, "The new project is "provisionally named" 'Project Phoenix' until the official name is approved".

What are some alternatives to "provisionally named"?

Alternatives include "tentatively titled", "temporarily designated", or "preliminarily identified". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "provisionally named" for a person?

While less common, it's grammatically correct to use "provisionally named" for a person if their name is temporarily assigned, perhaps in a fictional context or during an alias usage. It's more frequently used for projects, species, or other entities.

What's the difference between "provisionally named" and "officially named"?

"Provisionally named" indicates a temporary or preliminary name, whereas "officially named" signifies a formal, permanent designation. The former is subject to change, while the latter is not.