tentative draft

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tentative draft" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a preliminary or initial version of a written document, such as an essay, report, or proposal. Example: The team presented a tentative draft of their project proposal to the board for feedback and suggestions before finalizing it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

She added, "We are currently in discussions with our European partners to assess the global methodology until we reach a tentative draft.

The New York Times

In terms of regulation, to curb illegal fund-raising, regulate the market, and protect the interests of investors, the Securities Association of China (SAC) issued the "Measures for Private Equity Crowdfunding (tentative) (draft)" (Securities Association of China SAC 2014), to better manage the equity crowdfunding market.

Financial Innovation

The Uniform State Narcotic Act, first tentative draft in 1925 and fifth final version in 1932, was a result of work by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws.

Wikipedia

Contigs with significant similarity to bacterial genomes were separated from the general population and considered as a tentative draft genome assembly of the p-endosymbiont.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Tacked on to the bill is an amendment that exempts "tentative, preliminary, draft, speculative, or research material" from Iowa's open records law.

Huffington Post

The tentative deal, drafted by both sides over the last week, is modeled on the Directors Guild pact struck in January, which doubles residual payments for work sold on the Web and secures the union's jurisdiction over shows created online with budgets of more than $15,000 per minute, $300,000 per program or $500,000 per series, whichever is lowest.

Forbes

Paul Nitze, head of the American delegation and Yuli Kvitsinsky, his Soviet counterpart drafted a tentative agreement.

The New Yorker

From these activities, the present paper drafts a tentative scheme for studying the related problems: first to dissect a problem into various scales ?

China Particuology

After selecting tentative values of length, breadth, depth, draft, and displacement, the designer must achieve a weight balance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He mentioned more than once that he had drafted a memoir (the tentative title: "Music, Metaphysics and Murderers"), but also said it would be inappropriate to try to pitch it to publishers right now.

The New York Times

Transcript mapping was done based on the October 2000 Freeze of the University of California at Santa Cruz's working draft sequence, which presents a tentative assembly of the finished and draft human genomic sequence based on the Washington University-Saint Louis clone map.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tentative draft" to manage expectations, especially when presenting initial ideas or proposals. It signals that the work is in progress and open to input.

Common error

Avoid treating a "tentative draft" as a final version. Clearly communicate its preliminary status to prevent misunderstandings and ensure that stakeholders are aware that changes are expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative draft" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "tentative" modifies the noun "draft". As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a preliminary version of a document.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tentative draft" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a preliminary version of a document. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate to use when indicating that the document is subject to change and open to feedback. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, be sure to manage expectations and avoid treating it as a final version. Alternatives include "preliminary version" and "initial outline".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary version

Emphasizes the initial stage of development, similar to a draft.

initial outline

Focuses on the structural aspect of a draft.

rough plan

Highlights the undeveloped and flexible nature of the draft.

working copy

Suggests a version currently being developed or modified.

early blueprint

Implies a formative design, similar to an initial plan.

pilot scheme

Implies an unproven scheme to test first.

trial formulation

Emphasizes the experimental and provisional nature of the draft.

provisional blueprint

Highlights the preliminary character of the plan.

undeveloped plan

It focuses on the not developed aspect of the draft.

first iteration

It focuses on the repetitivity and first stage of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "tentative draft" to describe an initial version of a document that is not yet final, such as, "The committee reviewed the "tentative draft" of the new policy before providing feedback."

What are some alternatives to "tentative draft"?

Alternatives include "preliminary version", "initial outline", or "rough plan". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to share a "tentative draft" with senior management?

Yes, it can be appropriate, especially to gather early feedback and ensure alignment on the project's direction. However, it's crucial to clearly label it as a "tentative draft" to avoid confusion.

What is the purpose of creating a "tentative draft"?

The purpose is to create a foundational document that can be reviewed, revised, and improved upon. It serves as a starting point for further development and refinement.