tentative list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tentative list" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a list of items or ideas that is not yet finalized or subject to change. Example: The event planner showed us a tentative list of potential venues for the conference.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A tentative list includes a variety of popular European imports.

The New York Times

It is on Unesco's tentative list of heritage sites.

The Guardian - Travel

I like to create a tentative list of projected paintings and watercolors.

The New York Times

A tentative list of radio stations that plan to broadcast the debate includes WCBS-AM (880), Bloomberg's WBBR-AM (1130) and NPR's WNYC-AM (820).

The New York Times

The Lake District joins the Forth bridge near Edinburgh and Gorham's Cave complex in Gibraltar on the UK's tentative list of potential future nominations.

The Guardian

The World Monuments Fund, based in New York, put the National Art Schools on its list in 2000 of the 100 most endangered sites, and Cuba submitted the structures in 2003 to Unesco's tentative list of World Heritage sites.

The New York Times

The destruction in Hatra came just a few days after attempts by the Isis to bulldoze ruins at the Assyrian city of Nimrud, a site currently on the tentative list to become a world heritage site.

Independent

5/5 3. Slate industry of North Wales Centred on the Gwynedd towns of Llanberis and Blaenau Ffestiniog, this is an intriguing post-industrial underdog in the current tentative list.

Independent

So it seems only right to hazard a tentative list from that most male-dominated of professions, architecture, and take a look at the 10 most influential architects in the UK.

The Guardian - Arts

The bodies "were too badly burned for positive identification," the article reported, but there, in a tentative list of victims, I met my lost relatives: Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Middleman, 55 and 52.

The New York Times

A spokeman for the Mets revealed a tentative list Tuesday of the those expected to attend the service, which will take place in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., on Friday at 7 p.m. Former Mets players expected to be there include Keith Hernandez, Rusty Staub, Howard Johnson, Tim Teufel, Bobby Ojeda, Roger McDowell, Mookie Wilson, Sid Fernandez, Wally Backman and Darryl Strawberry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In contexts where finality is crucial, avoid presenting a "tentative list" without explicitly indicating the timeline or conditions under which it will be finalized.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "tentative list" in a way that implies guaranteed inclusion, as this can lead to disappointment if items are later removed. Use qualifiers such as "potential" or "subject to change" to manage expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative list" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a collection of items that are not yet final. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

48%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tentative list" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a preliminary collection of items or ideas subject to change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using "tentative list", it's crucial to manage expectations by explicitly indicating its provisional nature. Alternatives include "preliminary list" and "draft agenda" depending on the specific context. Avoid implying a guarantee of inclusion when presenting a "tentative list" to prevent misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary inventory

Replaces "list" with "inventory", emphasizing a more detailed and comprehensive collection, but maintains the provisional aspect.

provisional catalog

Substitutes "list" with "catalog", suggesting a more organized and structured collection, while "provisional" conveys the unsettled nature.

initial compilation

Replaces "list" with "compilation", focusing on the act of gathering items together, and "initial" highlights the early stage.

draft agenda

Specifies the type of list as an agenda, implying a plan for a meeting or event, and "draft" emphasizes its unfinished state.

working document

Shifts from "list" to "document", highlighting the practical and evolving nature of the collection.

suggested items

Focuses on the content of the list as suggestions, implying a less formal and more flexible collection.

proposed candidates

Refers specifically to a list of candidates, making it context-specific, and "proposed" indicates their potential selection.

pre-selected options

Highlights that options were selected beforehand, although it is a preliminary selection.

estimated count

Shifts focus to a numerical approximation rather than a list of items, representing a more quantitative assessment.

rough outline

Replaces "list" with "outline", suggesting a less detailed and more schematic collection of ideas or plans.

FAQs

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

You can use "tentative list" to refer to a preliminary compilation of items or ideas that are subject to change. For example: "The committee presented a "tentative list" of speakers for the conference."

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

Alternatives to "tentative list" include "preliminary list", "provisional catalog", or "draft agenda", depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to use "tentative list" in formal writing?

Yes, "tentative list" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure it aligns with the document's tone and that the intended meaning is clear. You can also use other words such as "preliminary inventory", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "tentative list" and "final list"?

A "tentative list" is subject to change and represents an early stage of planning, while a "final list" is the confirmed and unalterable version.