tentative assertion

USAGE SUMMARY

"tentative assertion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a statement that is expressed as a possibility or conjecture, rather than a firm declaration. For example, "Upon further research, the historian put forth a tentative assertion that the settlement was founded much earlier than previously assumed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Dream Pharma's tentative assertion to the media that they did not know the drugs were to be used for executions is simply false.

The Guardian

We now understand a novel to be a mapping of a writer's experience onto a waking dream, and a crucial turn toward this understanding can be seen in Defoe's tentative assertion of a less than strictly historical kind of truth — the novelist's "truth".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

What they say is seldom tentative – they make impudently categorical assertions about Salinger's state of mind and the relationship of his life to his art – and yet its authority is, perversely, undermined by just being another voice in the gabble.

The Guardian - Books

This assertion may still be tentative, as more equatorial stations needed to be studied for better confirmation.

Advances in Space Research

Each account comprises a set of proposals, hypotheses, assertions, and assumptions that together should provide a tentative story for why all of the relevant observations came out as they did.

Critical Reviews in Toxicology

The tentative deal reached in October was intended to bridge the gap between Iran's assertion that it wants only civilian nuclear energy and Western suspicions about a weapons program, buying time for a broader diplomatic solution.

The New York Times

November (tentative).

The New York Times - Arts

Her smile became tentative.

The New Yorker

"I was very tentative.

The New York Times

Richard Hilger appeared more tentative.

The New Yorker

He was tentative.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tentative assertion" when you want to convey a sense of uncertainty or suggest that a statement is not yet fully supported by evidence. It is appropriate in academic writing or formal discussions where precision and caution are valued.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "tentative assertion" as an established fact. Clearly indicate the level of uncertainty or the need for further evidence to avoid misleading the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative assertion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tentative" modifies the noun "assertion". It describes a statement put forth with a degree of uncertainty or caution. As noted by Ludwig, it indicates a possibility rather than a firm declaration.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tentative assertion" is a valid and useful phrase to describe a statement made with a degree of uncertainty. Ludwig confirms that it's used to express a possibility or conjecture, rather than a firm declaration. While relatively rare, as indicated by its low frequency score, it appears mostly in news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, remember to present it appropriately, acknowledging the need for further evidence or clarification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cautious statement

Emphasizes the care and lack of strong commitment behind the statement.

qualified statement

Emphasizes the limited or conditional nature of the statement.

provisional claim

Highlights the temporary and subject-to-change aspect of the claim.

guarded declaration

Suggests a cautious and reserved manner of making the declaration.

hesitant proposition

Focuses on the uncertainty and lack of conviction behind the proposition.

speculative suggestion

Implies that the suggestion is based on conjecture rather than firm evidence.

unconfirmed allegation

Highlights the lack of verification for the allegation.

initial hypothesis

Highlights the beginning nature of the hypothesis.

preliminary finding

Indicates that the finding is an initial result and may change with further investigation.

modest contention

Suggests a humble and restrained assertion.

FAQs

How can I use "tentative assertion" in a sentence?

You can use "tentative assertion" to describe a statement presented with caution. For instance, "The researcher made a "tentative assertion" about the cause of the phenomenon, pending further investigation."

What is a good substitute for "tentative assertion"?

Alternatives to "tentative assertion" include "qualified statement", "provisional claim", or "cautious statement", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "tentative assertion" a formal way to express uncertainty?

Yes, "tentative assertion" is suitable for formal contexts like academic papers or professional reports, where a measured and cautious tone is preferred.

What's the difference between a "tentative assertion" and a hypothesis?

While both involve uncertainty, a "tentative assertion" is a general statement, while a hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction. You might make a "tentative assertion" about a trend, then formulate a hypothesis to test that assertion.