tentative finding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tentative finding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a conclusion or result that is not yet final and may be subject to further investigation or confirmation. Example: "The researchers presented their tentative finding that the new drug may reduce symptoms, but further studies are needed to confirm this."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Perhaps surprisingly, our analysis of depression does not appear to have been undertaken in the three previous trials comparing bupropion with NRT 1– 3. Given the high prevalence of depression among smokers seeking help to stop, our tentative finding merits further study 23.

Addiction

But a preliminary analysis so far indicates that none of the tapes are Dr. Lee's, federal officials said yesterday, adding that further inquiry might reverse the tentative finding.

The New York Times

An early and tentative finding about this new medium is that the most distinctive thing about it concerns the player's agency.

The Guardian - Books

The implications of suicide, while troubling, are less explosive.Unsurprisingly, Ms Fernández eagerly endorsed the tentative finding that Mr Nisman had killed himself.

The Economist

The tentative finding, which remains unpublished and unconfirmed, could explain how such stars get so big in the first place.

Science Magazine

This tentative finding is of some relevance for the ongoing experience of euro area countries that are seeking to revise job and output growth by means of structural reform, including of their labor market institutions.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Tentative findings indicate that it hit the treetops and fell apart.

The Guardian

The recommendation, contained in the commission's final report, follows tentative findings delivered in February.

The Guardian

Tentative findings indicate that it hit the treetops and fell apart," said Smolensk's governor, Sergei Anufriev.

The Guardian

There is something drastically undertheorized about what all these tentative findings and speculations are doing in the same volume and what they might mean taken together.

The New York Times - Books

On Monday, the South Australian royal commission released its tentative findings, which backed nuclear fuel storage and left the door open to further uranium mining and processing but came down against the use of nuclear power for electricity generation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "tentative finding", clearly state the limitations of your data or analysis. This enhances transparency and manages reader expectations.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "tentative finding" as a definitive conclusion. Doing so can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative finding" functions as a noun phrase, where "tentative" modifies "finding". Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically correct. It typically appears in scientific and news contexts to introduce a result that is not yet fully confirmed but is worthy of consideration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tentative finding" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a preliminary or uncertain result, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, signaling that a result needs further investigation. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly state the limitations to maintain transparency and avoid overstating the significance of the finding. Alternatives include "preliminary result" or "initial observation". Remember that while the phrase is acceptable in formal writing, presenting it as a definitive conclusion is a common mistake to avoid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary result

Focuses on the stage of the result; it is at the beginning or not final.

initial observation

Highlights the act of observing something for the first time, implying further investigation might be needed.

early conclusion

Stresses that the conclusion was reached quickly and might be subject to change.

provisional assessment

Emphasizes that the assessment is temporary and may be revised later.

unconfirmed discovery

Highlights the lack of confirmation, suggesting the discovery needs verification.

possible outcome

Indicates a potential result without asserting any degree of certainty.

speculative inference

Suggests that the inference is based on limited evidence and involves some guesswork.

undeveloped theory

Focuses on the immaturity of the theory and the need for more research.

qualified interpretation

Indicates that the interpretation is subject to certain conditions or limitations.

hypothetical finding

Emphasizes the conditional nature of the finding, based on certain assumptions.

FAQs

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

You can use "tentative finding" to describe a result that is not yet fully confirmed. For example: "The study revealed a "tentative finding" that suggests a link between diet and disease, but more research is needed".

What are some alternatives to "tentative finding"?

Some alternatives include "preliminary result", "initial observation", or "early conclusion", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "tentative finding" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific or academic contexts where acknowledging uncertainty is important. Ensure that the limitations are also clearly stated.

How does a "tentative finding" differ from a confirmed result?

A "tentative finding" is a preliminary result that requires further investigation, while a confirmed result has been rigorously tested and validated. A "tentative finding" should be presented with caution and transparency.