tentative explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

"tentative explanation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in situations where someone is offering a possible explanation for something, but they are not completely confident in its accuracy. For example: - "I have a tentative explanation for the strange noises coming from the basement. It could be the old pipes, but I'm not entirely sure." - "The scientist presented a tentative explanation for the results of the experiment, acknowledging that further research was needed to confirm it." - "The detective had a few tentative explanations for the mysterious disappearance of the jewelry, but he needed more evidence before making a conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A tentative explanation is presented.

Surface and Coatings Technology

We propose a tentative explanation.

Polymer

A tentative explanation for the modification process is proposed.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The science detectives began forming a tentative explanation.

The New York Times - Science

This paper shall provide a tentative explanation on this experimentally observed linear relationship.

Microelectronics Reliability

HYPOTHESIS implies insufficient evidence to provide more than a tentative explanation.

Cornell University

A tentative explanation is offered for the observed features based on flow-visualization studies.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

We use a neurobiological model of serial order processing to provide a tentative explanation for the data.

NeuroImage

Surprisingly, a tentative explanation is that the decrease in H3K9 trimethylation during latency is a sign of reactivation (Fig. 8).

Nature

A tentative explanation of a field emission mechanism basing onto Fowler Nordheim (FN) model is also presented.

Surface and Coatings Technology

A tentative explanation was given by comparison of the solubility parameter of each component in the toughened samples.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tentative explanation" when you want to convey that the explanation is not fully confirmed and may be subject to change based on further evidence.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "tentative explanation" as a definitive answer. Clearly acknowledge its provisional nature to maintain credibility and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative explanation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tentative" modifies the noun "explanation". It suggests a provisional or uncertain reason or understanding of something. As Ludwig confirms, it is correctly used in contexts needing qualification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

85%

News & Media

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tentative explanation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, particularly in scientific and academic contexts, to describe a possible but unconfirmed reason or interpretation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. When using this phrase, it's important to convey the uncertainty appropriately and avoid presenting it as a definitive answer. Alternatives like "preliminary explanation" or "hypothetical explanation" can be used depending on the specific context. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it signals intellectual honesty and invites further investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary explanation

Replaces "tentative" with "preliminary", suggesting an initial or early explanation.

approximate explanation

Substitutes "tentative" with "approximate", indicating a rough or estimated explanation.

uncertain explanation

Uses "uncertain" instead of "tentative", emphasizing the lack of certainty in the explanation.

cautious explanation

Replaces "tentative" with "cautious", highlighting the care taken in formulating the explanation.

possible explanation

Instead of suggesting a "tentative" nature, suggest a possibility.

hypothetical explanation

Indicates the explanation is based on a hypothesis or assumption.

speculative explanation

Implies the explanation is based on conjecture or guesswork.

working explanation

Suggests the explanation is being used temporarily and may be subject to change.

proposed explanation

Focuses on the act of suggesting the explanation, rather than its certainty.

educated guess

This is a less formal way of conveying a "tentative explanation", suggesting it is based on some knowledge or reasoning.

FAQs

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

You can use "tentative explanation" when introducing a possible reason for something that is not yet fully confirmed. For example: "The scientist offered a "tentative explanation" for the unexpected results."

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

Alternatives include "preliminary explanation", "possible explanation", or "hypothetical explanation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "tentative explanation"?

It's appropriate when you have a plausible explanation but lack conclusive evidence or when the explanation is based on initial observations that require further validation.

What's the difference between "tentative explanation" and "theory"?

A "tentative explanation" is a preliminary idea, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation.