tentative price

USAGE SUMMARY

"tentative price" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when a company or seller is offering a product or service at a cost that is not necessarily set in stone, and may be subject to change or negotiation. For example: "We will provide you with a tentative price for the service before work begins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Replacing it will be hugely expensive, with a tentative price tag of $200 million.

The New York Times

The output is the tentative price for invoicing that the sales rep submits to the customer.

Harvard Business Review

The output is a tentative price (that is, a discount off the list price).

Harvard Business Review

For a tentative price of $295, the family can create a long-term Internet memorial to the deceased.

The New York Times - Tech

Inputs are the completed quotation information generated in the previous steps (including the tentative price the sales rep has requested); reports summarizing the history of similar transactions in the particular market; and, when available, reports of similar transactions with the same customer.

Harvard Business Review

The National Ecological Observatory Network NEONN) also has a new, tentative price tag: $384 million.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

This study adds tentative prices to the menu of community integration programs, and the implications of these findings for choosing, designing and evaluating programs addressing community integration are discussed.

Evaluation and Program Planning

In the south building, the tentative prices range from $30 million, or $3,570 a square foot, for a full floor at the top of the tower to $1.6 million, or $1,230 a square foot, for a two-bedroom unit facing west.

The New York Times

The economic effect of the lower prices is tentative because prices could easily surge again.

The New York Times

The input is the tentative approved price from the analysis in the previous step and any additional information regarding the order and customer.

Harvard Business Review

After prolonged negotiation with producers throughout the country an agreement was reached by which a tentative maximum price was fixed at $3 per ton at the mines, to which was added 25 cents for selling commission to wholesalers.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "tentative price", always clearly communicate that the final price is subject to change based on specific circumstances, unforeseen costs, or further negotiations. This manages client expectations and builds trust.

Common error

Avoid using "tentative price" without specifying the factors that could cause it to fluctuate. Omitting this information can lead to disputes and dissatisfaction if the final price deviates significantly from the initial estimate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative price" functions as a noun phrase, where "tentative" modifies the noun "price". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is used when referring to a cost that is not final and may be subject to change.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tentative price" refers to an initial or estimated cost that is subject to change. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically sound and applicable in a wide range of contexts. While alternatives like "estimated price" or "provisional price" exist, "tentative price" effectively communicates the preliminary nature of the figure. Its frequency is uncommon but it appears in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and Forbes, making it reliable. When using "tentative price", it's crucial to specify the factors that might cause the price to change, ensuring clarity and managing expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

estimated price

Replaces "tentative" with "estimated", suggesting an approximate calculation.

provisional price

Uses "provisional" instead of "tentative", indicating a temporary or conditional price.

projected cost

Substitutes "price" with "cost" and "tentative" with "projected", implying a forecast of expenses.

approximate cost

Uses "approximate" instead of "tentative", conveying a similar meaning of an inexact value.

preliminary quote

Replaces "price" with "quote" and "tentative" with "preliminary", suggesting an initial offer.

initial estimate

Implies a first calculation that could change, focusing on the estimation aspect.

rough estimate

Indicates a broad calculation, lacking precise detail. Differs in implying less accuracy.

ballpark figure

An idiom for a very approximate price, informal and less precise than "tentative price".

suggested retail price

Indicates a recommended price, often by the manufacturer, less flexible than a "tentative price".

sticker price

More commonly refers to the listed price of a new car, so more specific.

FAQs

How is a "tentative price" typically used in a sentence?

A "tentative price" is often used when discussing initial quotes or estimates, as in, "We can offer a tentative price, but it's subject to change after the inspection."

What are some alternatives to saying "tentative price"?

You could use phrases such as "estimated price", "provisional price", or "projected cost" depending on the context.

Is a "tentative price" the same as a final price?

No, a "tentative price" is an initial estimate and is not the final price. The final price may change due to various factors.

What factors can affect a "tentative price"?

Factors that can affect a "tentative price" include changes in material costs, unforeseen labor expenses, modifications to the project scope, and negotiated discounts.