tentative answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tentative answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when providing a preliminary or uncertain response to a question or problem, indicating that the answer may change upon further consideration or information. Example: "After reviewing the data, my tentative answer is that we should proceed with the project, but I need more information to confirm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The tentative answer is that it might do some good.

The New York Times

A review of 150 years of scholarly inquiry and a tentative answer.

Nature

Ren-Shu and co have a tentative answer and some evidence for it.

MIT Technology Review

To this question, how some people cope, scientists have just now proposed a tentative answer.

The New York Times

My tentative answer is that the economy is still growing at a fairly decent clip but the official figures aren't yet reflecting it.

The New Yorker

The research study has an exploratory character; we will present a framework for the use of multimedia cases as a tentative answer, grounded in the researchers' experiments and design activities.

International Journal of Educational Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Tentative answers to such questions continue to be proposed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I am left with two questions and two tentative answers.

The New York Times - Science

I have tentative answers to these questions, but they don't really satisfy.

The New York Times

Several of Ms. Louden's tentative answers to this formal impasse are on display here.

The New York Times

Children usually form their tentative answers to these questions without considering them explicitly.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tentative answer" when you want to convey uncertainty or suggest that your answer may change with more information. It's appropriate in contexts where a definitive answer is not yet available.

Common error

Avoid using "tentative answer" when you are certain about something. Misusing it can undermine your credibility and create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative answer" primarily functions as a qualifier, indicating the degree of certainty or completeness of a response. It's used to introduce a solution, hypothesis, or conclusion that is not yet fully confirmed. Ludwig AI indicates that it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tentative answer" is a useful linguistic tool for expressing uncertainty and managing expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, appearing in diverse contexts like news reports, scientific articles, and academic papers. It signals that the information is preliminary and could change. While versatile, it is important to avoid using it when you are certain about something to maintain your credibility. Alternatives such as "preliminary response" or "educated guess" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary response

Emphasizes the answer is subject to change or further development.

provisional reply

Highlights that the response is conditional and may be revised.

educated guess

Suggests the answer is based on knowledge but lacks definitive proof.

possible solution

Indicates the answer is one potential option among others.

working hypothesis

Emphasizes the answer is a basis for further investigation.

initial assessment

Highlights that the answer is a starting point for evaluation.

best guess

Implies the answer is the most likely, given available information.

speculative conclusion

Suggests the answer is based on conjecture and not fully supported.

unconfirmed solution

Stresses that the answer still needs verification.

conditional response

Highlights that the answer depends on specific conditions.

FAQs

How to use "tentative answer" in a sentence?

You can use "tentative answer" to introduce a response that is not yet fully confirmed. For example: "My "tentative answer" is that further research is needed."

What can I say instead of "tentative answer"?

You can use alternatives like "preliminary response", "provisional reply", or "educated guess" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to provide a "tentative answer"?

It's appropriate when you need to offer a response but lack complete information or certainty. This is common in research, investigations, or problem-solving scenarios.

What's the difference between "tentative answer" and "definitive answer"?

A ""tentative answer"" is a preliminary or uncertain response, while a "definitive answer" is a conclusive and authoritative response.