tentative conclusion

USAGE SUMMARY

"tentative conclusion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a conclusion that is not definite, but could be subject to change or further examination. For example, "After analyzing the data, I have come to a tentative conclusion that the new sales strategy is effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Flanagan's slightly tentative conclusion is that it can.

The Guardian - Opinion

Long before Wilson's happy, if tentative, conclusion — "They don't need shrinks.

The New York Times - Books

The second tentative conclusion relates to the role of the Americans.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I still hold it out there as a tentative conclusion," he said.

The New York Times

Based on this brief survey, my tentative conclusion is that the Fed still has some room to maneuver.

The New Yorker

The four-member commission's tentative conclusion was that Bertelsmann was closed simply because its product was not considered critically important for the war effort.

The New York Times

Interviews with other federal officials who have been briefed on the inquiry said that the tentative conclusion is that the attack was not part of a terrorist plot.

The New York Times

Meadow's deliberately tentative conclusion is that Munchausen mothers "were using the children to get themselves into the sheltered environment of a children's ward surrounded by friendly staff".

The New Yorker

I would clarify my guiding principles, listen to experts on all sides of the debate, reach a tentative conclusion and run it past knowledgeable people.

The New York Times - Books

But my tentative conclusion is that you have to be kinder than usual to yourself and get the stick-carrot ratio right.

Independent

One tentative conclusion to be drawn from the freedom data is that richer then economy in terms of oil or minerals the greater the degree of political repression.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tentative conclusion" to convey that your findings are not yet definitive and may be subject to change based on further evidence or analysis.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "tentative conclusion" as a definite fact. Ensure your language reflects the uncertainty inherent in the conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative conclusion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a judgment or finding that is not yet definitive and is open to revision based on further investigation or evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tentative conclusion" is a frequently used noun phrase that signals an uncertain or preliminary finding. As Ludwig AI validates, it is a correct and standard phrase. Its primary function is to introduce a result that is not yet fully confirmed and may be subject to change. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, its usage emphasizes caution and the need for further investigation. When writing, use this phrase to convey that your conclusions are not yet definitive and avoid presenting them as certainties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary finding

Emphasizes the early stage of the conclusion, suggesting it's subject to further investigation.

working hypothesis

Highlights the role of the conclusion as a basis for ongoing research.

experimental inference

Suggests the conclusion is derived from experimental data and is open to revision.

provisional assessment

Suggests the conclusion is an evaluation that could change with more information.

initial determination

Focuses on the conclusion as a starting point in a decision-making process.

qualified judgment

Implies the conclusion is made with specific conditions or reservations.

guarded inference

Highlights the careful and cautious nature of drawing the conclusion.

reasoned suggestion

Emphasizes the logical basis for the conclusion, while acknowledging its non-definitive nature.

speculative result

Emphasizes that the conclusion is based on conjecture or incomplete evidence.

conditional summary

Indicates the conclusion is dependent on certain factors being true.

FAQs

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

You can use "tentative conclusion" to introduce a finding that is not yet fully confirmed, for instance: "Based on the preliminary data, a "tentative conclusion" is that the treatment is effective."

What's a good alternative to "tentative conclusion"?

Depending on the context, consider using phrases like "preliminary finding", "working hypothesis", or "provisional assessment" as alternatives to "tentative conclusion".

Is it appropriate to use "tentative conclusion" in formal writing?

Yes, "tentative conclusion" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic and scientific contexts where acknowledging uncertainty is important. However, ensure the level of formality aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

What distinguishes a "tentative conclusion" from a "final conclusion"?

A "tentative conclusion" is provisional and subject to change, while a "final conclusion" represents a more definitive and well-supported finding based on all available evidence. The ""tentative conclusion"" is a step toward the latter.