tentative cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tentative cost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an estimated or provisional cost that may change or is not yet finalized. Example: "The tentative cost for the project is estimated to be around $10,000, but we will provide a more accurate figure once we finalize the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Later this year or early in 2004, work is expected to begin on a fine arts and performing arts center of 150,000 square feet, whose tentative cost of $64 million is still under discussion.

The New York Times

When the Congressional Budget Office gave a tentative cost estimate of the HELP bill, the negative reaction caused the sponsors to reduce both eligibility and the size of the subsidies.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Michigan legislators have been pushing for the federal government to replace the lock, but so far, the best that's come through is a tentative cost-benefit study.

The Guardian

Flight attendants at United Air Lines Sunday agreed to cut their wages by $412 million over 5-1/2 years, becoming the second major union to reach a tentative cost-cutting deal as the airline hovers near bankruptcy.

Forbes

Ford's shares surged over 9% as the surprising profit and increased outlook overshadowed an expected announcement later Monday that the United Auto Workers union has rejected a tentative cost-cutting deal with the automaker.

Forbes

A tentative parts cost list.

Cornell University

Assuming just four cycles of taxane-containing chemotherapy in 30% of patients with metastatic breast cancer would increase the tentative lifetime cost per patient in £3200.

British Journal of Cancer

"The SPFL's submission of tentative funding costs - specifically for technology to assist with identification of individuals engaged in unacceptable conduct - followed previous discussions with the Scottish Government where we built on quotes based on the top two divisions only.

BBC

US Airways and its pilots' union were in the final stages yesterday of reaching a tentative agreement on cost cuts, a union spokesman said.

The New York Times

A14 BUSINESS DAY C1-16 United Secures Concessions United Airlines said its pilots ratified labor concessions that would save $1.1 billion a year, and it reached a tentative agreement on cost cuts with its mechanics, the airline's most militant labor group.

The New York Times

In the second half we were nervous and tentative and it cost us the game".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tentative cost", be sure to indicate the basis for the estimate and potential factors that could cause it to change. This provides transparency and manages expectations.

Common error

Avoid treating a "tentative cost" as a fixed value. Always emphasize its preliminary nature to prevent misunderstandings in budgeting and financial planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative cost" functions as a noun phrase, where "tentative" modifies the noun "cost". It describes a cost that is not yet final or certain. Ludwig examples show its usage in contexts ranging from project budgets to agreements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tentative cost" is a useful way to refer to an estimated or provisional expense, particularly when the final amount is not yet known. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically correct and appears in a variety of sources, especially in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While "tentative cost" is not an extremely common phrase, it serves a clear purpose in conveying uncertainty about a cost. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context about the basis for the estimate and any potential factors that could cause it to change. Alternatives like "estimated cost" or "preliminary cost" can be used to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

estimated cost

Replaces "tentative" with a more direct synonym, emphasizing the approximate nature of the cost.

preliminary cost

Highlights that the cost is subject to change as it's an early estimate.

projected cost

Implies a forecast based on current information, which may not be completely accurate.

approximate cost

Indicates the cost is not precise, but close to the actual amount.

rough cost estimate

Emphasizes the lack of precision in the cost calculation.

initial cost estimate

Specifies that this is the first cost estimate, likely to be refined later.

provisional cost

Suggests the cost is subject to confirmation or adjustment.

budgeted cost

Indicates the cost has been included in a budget, but might not be the final amount.

expected cost

Highlights anticipation of a cost, which might differ from the actual spending.

unaudited cost

Indicates the cost has not been officially verified.

FAQs

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

You can use "tentative cost" to describe an estimated cost that is subject to change, such as: "The "tentative cost" for the renovation project is $50,000, but this may increase depending on material prices." Always clarify that it's not a final figure.

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

Alternatives include "estimated cost", "preliminary cost", or "projected cost". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey about the cost's level of certainty.

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

Yes, "tentative cost" is suitable for formal writing, especially in project proposals, budget reports, and financial analyses where initial estimates are necessary. However, always provide context about the estimate's reliability.

What factors can influence a "tentative cost"?

Numerous factors can influence a "tentative cost", including market fluctuations, unforeseen complications, changes in project scope, and inaccurate initial assessments. Always account for such uncertainties when presenting a "tentative cost".