tentative

USAGE SUMMARY

"tentative" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not confirmed or decided, usually because it is still being discussed or considered. For example, "We have a tentative plan to open the store next month if the pandemic situation allows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The British government is working with others in the world to bring peace to Gaza and we do now have a tentative ceasefire which we all hope will hold".

The Guardian

There is no evidence of the preliminary tentative mark, of the initial hesitant touch of the pencil or crayon that would allow the artist to get his bearings and select the position for the first expressive line.

The Guardian - Arts

Her personal quest provides a glimpse of how a community brutalised by Boko Haram – and still mourning its lost sons and daughters – has rallied together as it takes tentative steps to recovery.

The Guardian

A spurious tabloid rumour about an Oasis reunion often treads a similar path: "A source" chirrups of some tentative peace within the Gallagher camp.

The Guardian - Music

Even as US and Iranian negotiators pursue talks over Iran's nuclear programme, with a tentative deadline approaching in two weeks, the realities of the war on Isis and its extremist Sunni Salafi ideology have bound the two powers together in unprecedented ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

Remember the tentative first steps of the Bambi-like Nick Riewoldt in 2001, when his pencil-thin arms and legs couldn't yet carry him to the destinations his mind had in store?

The Guardian - Sport

Although the initial email described the call as tentative, simply saying "Bernie is thinking about organizing a conference call with a number of leaders in Iowa who we have met this past year," Fiermonte confirmed that the call was happening.

The Guardian

Last month the US department of labor reported that Uzbekistan had made "no advancement" in eliminating the worst forms of child labour, although the International Labor Organization ILOO) has noted tentative progress.

The Guardian

One factor in Syriza's favour: the economy has shown tentative signs of green shoots in recent months.

The Guardian

Barack Obama has praised a "historic agreement" over Iran's nuclear programme, shortly after a tentative framework was announced that would lift international sanctions on Iran in exchange for new limits on Iran's nuclear capabilities.

The Guardian

But then the chancellor redoubled the gamble by holding benefits below inflation for years on end, including for the working low-paid and surveys began to register a tentative change of mood.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the economy use "tentative signs" rather than "definitive signs". This avoids to spread unsubstantiated over-optimistic ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "tentative" when you mean to express a confirmed or definite decision. "Tentative" indicates uncertainty, so using it incorrectly can misrepresent the status of a plan or agreement.

Linguistic Context

The word "tentative" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a state of uncertainty, a provisional nature, or a degree of hesitancy. Ludwig AI confirms its role in qualifying nouns, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Sport

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tentative" is a versatile adjective used to express uncertainty, conditionality, or a preliminary status. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news, sport, and business contexts. When using "tentative", be sure to differentiate it from "definitive" to avoid misrepresenting the certainty of a situation. Consider alternatives such as "provisional" or "uncertain" to fine-tune your message, and remember that "tentative" indicates a potential for change, as supported by numerous examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to change

Directly states the possibility of alteration, which is a key characteristic of something "tentative".

provisional

Indicates a temporary arrangement subject to change, similar to "tentative" but often implies a more formal agreement.

uncertain

Emphasizes a lack of sureness or definiteness, mirroring the doubtful aspect of "tentative".

under consideration

Suggests that something is being thought about but not yet decided, similar to the planning stage of something "tentative".

hesitant

Highlights the reluctance or pause before acting, reflecting the cautious nature of "tentative".

conditional

Suggests dependence on certain conditions being met, similar to how "tentative" plans are dependent on future events.

preliminary

Describes something coming before or preparing for the main matter, akin to the initial stage implied by "tentative".

experimental

Implies a trial or test, sharing the aspect of uncertainty and possible change with "tentative".

unconfirmed

Indicates a lack of official validation, similar to "tentative" in the context of plans or agreements.

exploratory

Related to investigation and discovery to gather more information and thus reducing the initial "tentative" status.

FAQs

How is "tentative" used in a sentence?

Use "tentative" to describe something that is not yet finalized or certain, such as a "tentative agreement" or "tentative plan". For example, "We have a "tentative agreement" to proceed, pending final approval".

What are some synonyms for "tentative"?

Alternatives to "tentative" include "provisional", "uncertain", and "hesitant". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "tentative"?

Use "tentative" when you want to indicate that something is subject to change or has not been fully confirmed. It's useful in contexts where plans are still being discussed or agreements are not yet final.

Is there a difference between "tentative" and "temporary"?

"Tentative" implies uncertainty and potential change, while "temporary" suggests something is meant to last for a limited time. A "tentative plan" might become permanent, while a "temporary solution" is inherently not intended to be permanent.