tentative date

USAGE SUMMARY

'tentative date' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a date that has been proposed but is not yet firmly set. For example, "We have tentatively set a date for the meeting to take place on June 1st."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Tentative date of early 2010 is proposed.

The Guardian

The tentative date for publication is Sept. 13.

The New York Times

The tentative date for publication is Sept. 13, 2013.

The New York Times

He set a tentative date of mid-2011 to start pulling American troops out of Afghanistan.

The Economist

Apparently, they'd discussed it previously, and had even settled on a tentative date.

The New York Times

The judge set March 11 as a tentative date to begin penalty hearings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Democratic candidates need not worry about debates – the Democratic National Committee has yet to schedule anything beyond tentative dates in "September/October".

The Guardian

I e-mailed Norman suggesting tentative dates for a 16-day sail in early October; he wrote back asking for a $100 deposit via Western Union.

The New York Times - Travel

BGR managed to nab a product sheet that hit the desks just yesterday, listing the tentative dates for AT&T launches and discontinuations until the end of October.

TechCrunch

You key in some basic details, such as tentative dates and price, and when a related deal pops up, the app will notify you, giving you one less excuse to avoid booking that dream trip.

TechCrunch

With a tentative dating of 7000 BC or older it may prove to be the oldest settlement site found so far on Orkney.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tentative date", always be prepared to communicate potential changes or updates to the plan as circumstances evolve. Make it clear that the date isn't set in stone.

Common error

Avoid treating a "tentative date" as a fixed deadline. Clearly communicate the possibility of adjustments to avoid misunderstandings and unmet expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative date" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as an object or complement within a sentence. It refers to a planned time that is not yet definite. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

20%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Unknown/unmatched sources

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tentative date" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a planned event's time, while acknowledging that it may change. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's frequently used in contexts like news, wikis, and science, striking a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, it's crucial to convey that the date is not final to avoid misunderstandings. Alternatives like "provisional date" or "estimated date" can add slight variations in meaning, but "tentative date" remains a versatile and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provisional date

Replaces 'tentative' with 'provisional', emphasizing the possibility of change before finalization.

unconfirmed date

Directly states the date has not been officially verified or approved.

estimated date

Focuses on the calculation or approximation of the date, implying it might not be exact.

preliminary date

Focuses on the date being in the initial stages of planning and subject to revisions.

approximate date

Similar to 'estimated date', but emphasizes that it is not precise.

scheduled date

Indicates a plan is in place, but it could be altered, so it is less firm.

projected date

Suggests a prediction based on current information, which may be subject to change.

potential date

Highlights the possibility of the date being set, but without commitment.

possible date

Similar to 'potential date', this expresses uncertainty and lack of commitment.

target date

Emphasizes a desired or aimed-for date, with the implication that it may not be achievable.

FAQs

What does "tentative date" mean?

A "tentative date" refers to a date that is planned or suggested, but not yet confirmed or finalized. It is subject to change.

What can I say instead of "tentative date"?

You can use alternatives such as "provisional date", "estimated date", or "preliminary date" depending on the context.

How do I use "tentative date" in a sentence?

You can use "tentative date" in a sentence like: "The "tentative date" for the product launch is set for November, but it's subject to change."

Is "tentative date" formal or informal?

The phrase "tentative date" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but in very formal settings, "provisional date" might be preferred.