tentative idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"tentative idea" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a thought or concept that is uncertain or not fully formed. It can also refer to a plan or suggestion that is subject to change or revision. Example: After several hours of brainstorming, they finally came up with a tentative idea for their new marketing campaign.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Even such a tentative idea was freeing.

The New York Times

I have a tentative idea of a possible itinerary, and am making inquiries with UN officials and aid workers.

The New York Times

Speaking to an audience of fans in Toronto about his new novel Under the Dome, King divulged that he'd begun working on a tentative idea for a follow-up to The Shining – first published in 1977 last summerer.

The Guardian - Books

The BBC's head of learning, Sinead Rocks, said that the project started in 2012 as a "very tentative idea that very quickly gave us a feeling of 'what if?'".

The Guardian - Tech

His wild spelling ("Hodd" shifts into "Hodde" and "Hode"; "Robin" becomes - of course - "Robbynge") gives every name a flickering quality, as if, in those days, individual identity was still only a tentative idea.

The Guardian - Books

The journey of this musical -- from a tentative idea many called just another crass attempt to cash in on the success of a hit movie, to a confident show that looks to be the first bona fide hit of the Broadway season -- represents the clicking of various creative decisions that could have gone very wrong but, judging from the reviews, went just right.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But his experience here in Austin can help form some tentative ideas about how he might operate as president.

The New York Times

As officials here wrestled with some tentative ideas, the French foreign minister, Hubert Védrine, delivered a scathing attack on the administration.

The New York Times

The RAND report was commissioned by the Department of Energy, and it offers some tentative ideas about how government policy could promote these kinds of shifts.

The New York Times

Despite the added difficulties the fighting posed to that mission, Mr. Brahimi said, he had formed a "few still tentative ideas" about how to move Iraq forward toward the first elected government in its history by January.

The New York Times

Section 5 provides main conclusions and future tentative ideas.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tentative idea" when you want to convey that a thought or concept is not yet fully formed and is subject to change. It's useful in contexts where you want to present an idea without committing to it definitively.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "tentative idea" as a definitive plan. Ensure your language reflects the uncertainty and potential for modification. For example, instead of saying "This will happen," say "This could happen, pending further review."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative idea" functions as a noun phrase, where "tentative" modifies the noun "idea". Ludwig shows that it describes an idea that is not yet fully formed or certain.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tentative idea" is a useful expression to introduce a thought or concept that is not yet fully developed or certain. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and often used to describe plans or suggestions subject to change. While it appears most frequently in news and scientific sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using "tentative idea", remember to frame it with language that reflects its uncertain nature and avoid presenting it as a definitive plan. Consider alternatives like "preliminary concept" or "rough notion" to convey a similar meaning. Ludwig's examples reinforce that using this phrase shows intellectual honesty and awareness of the nuances of the topic at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary concept

Focuses on the idea being in an early stage of development.

initial thought

Emphasizes the idea as a starting point.

rough notion

Highlights the unrefined nature of the idea.

unsettled plan

Focuses on the plan being not yet defined

vague concept

Indicates a lack of clarity in the idea.

undeveloped theory

Puts emphasis on the theory still being premature.

rudimentary proposal

Highlights the basic and incomplete nature of the proposal.

fleeting thought

Suggests a brief and passing idea.

sketchy plan

Emphasizes the lack of detail in the plan.

speculative hypothesis

Focuses on the idea being based on conjecture.

FAQs

What does "tentative idea" mean?

A "tentative idea" refers to a thought, plan, or suggestion that is not yet fully developed or confirmed, implying uncertainty and the possibility of change.

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

You might say, "I have a "tentative idea" for a new project, but it needs more research," to indicate a preliminary plan.

What are some alternatives to "tentative idea"?

Alternatives include "preliminary concept", "initial thought", or "rough notion", each conveying a similar sense of an undeveloped or uncertain idea.

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

Yes, "tentative idea" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to express uncertainty or propose a preliminary concept. However, be sure to provide context and acknowledge the uncertainty.