tentative dates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tentative dates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to dates that are not yet confirmed and may change. Example: "We have scheduled tentative dates for the conference, but we will confirm them once the venue is booked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

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

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

The Guardian

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

He doesn't play by the grass is always greener set of rules by floating three or more tentative dates to wait until the very last minute before deciding which is the best one to take.

Huffington Post

Upon recruitment, participants will be provided with tentative dates for their visits and their randomization to the cohort (intervention vs. control) will be based on their date preferences.

BMC Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 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 June 5 for the hearing.

The New York Times

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

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tentative dates", always communicate the possibility of changes to avoid misunderstandings. For example, state: "These are the tentative dates, subject to final confirmation."

Common error

Avoid presenting "tentative dates" as if they are confirmed. Using definitive language can lead to confusion and broken commitments if the dates shift. Always preface the dates with a disclaimer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative dates" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, typically a noun that references an event or plan. It indicates that the specified dates are provisional and subject to change. Ludwig AI provides examples showcasing this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Tech

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tentative dates" is a noun phrase used to indicate that specified dates are provisional and subject to change. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While it appears most frequently in News & Media, it's also found in scientific and business writing. To avoid miscommunication, always clarify that these dates are not final. Alternatives like "provisional dates" or "estimated dates" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provisional dates

Replaces 'tentative' with 'provisional', emphasizing the conditional nature of the dates.

preliminary dates

Uses 'preliminary' to show that these dates are the first version and likely to change.

projected dates

Uses 'projected' to suggest the dates are estimated based on current information.

estimated dates

Emphasizes that the dates are calculated approximations, not confirmed.

proposed dates

Uses 'proposed' suggesting that these dates are offered but not yet accepted.

planned dates

Indicates dates that are currently in the planning stage but subject to change.

suggested dates

Replaces 'tentative' with 'suggested', implying the dates are recommendations.

target dates

Indicates dates are a goal but not guaranteed.

possible dates

Indicates dates that are being considered, with no commitment yet.

unconfirmed dates

Directly states that the dates have not been officially verified.

FAQs

What does "tentative dates" mean?

"Tentative dates" refer to dates that are not yet confirmed and are subject to change. They represent a preliminary plan that may be adjusted.

What can I say instead of "tentative dates"?

You can use alternatives like "provisional dates", "estimated dates", or "proposed dates" depending on the context.

How to use "tentative dates" in a sentence?

You can use "tentative dates" in a sentence like: "We have set "tentative dates" for the project kickoff, but these may need to be adjusted based on resource availability."

Is it appropriate to share "tentative dates" with clients?

Yes, it can be appropriate, but always make it clear that the dates are not yet final. Frame it as: "We are targeting these "tentative dates", but will confirm as soon as possible".