tentative response

USAGE SUMMARY

"tentative response" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's response or reaction to something, particularly when their answer or behavior is uncertain, hesitant, or cautious. Example: "I asked my boss for a raise, and her initial response was tentative. She said she would have to consider it and get back to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Even a tentative response to a proposal by the other side has complex legal implications, requiring obfuscation and delay.

The New York Times

Asked then whether he had made any mistakes during his tenure at Citigroup, he offered a tentative response.

The New York Times

The Mayor's tentative response earlier this year to the black boycott of a Brooklyn market owned by Korean immigrants, Mr. Giuliani said, demonstrated a failure to rise above racial politics.

The New York Times

This mapping of institutional structures is a tentative response to the call for critically understanding the optimal ways and emerging opportunities to strengthen EIHSP [ 21, 23, 24].

Health Research Policy and Systems

The decreased gene expression in Casp9 may reflect a tentative response from Casp9 by ouabain, but upregulated antiapoptotic genes, such as Birc3 in the IAP family, might also suppress it, and Birc2 is an antiapoptotic gene that specifically blocks cytochrome C release [ 62].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The present paper is a novel attempt to capture psychosis data by considering 24 input symptom constructs and 7 tentative responses (outputs) as per Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale-F2 (BPRS-F2).

Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine

Mr. Romney's tax returns were posted on his campaign's Web site on Tuesday morning after escalating pressure from the other Republican candidates, Democrats and even supporters, some of whom attributed his loss in South Carolina's Republican primary last weekend to his shifting and tentative responses to questions about his wealth, tax burden and overseas investments.

The New York Times

A sometimes tentative police response is adding its own element to the mix.

The New York Times

KABUL, Afghanistan — Despite their hard-line public stance and continued attacks, the Taliban are quietly putting out tentative feelers in response to the government's recent peace jirga, according to Afghan government officials and two former Taliban political leaders.

The New York Times

On one side, a right-wing political project seeks to protect those who presently wield economic and political power from the emerging social backlash, entrenching a market-based approach to public service provision; on the other, a tentative left-wing response calls for a more radical overhaul, finally focusing on inequality as a major social determinant.

The Guardian

The full scale of the epidemic and the tentative, troubled southern response to it are for the first time fully examined by John Ellis in this new book.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tentative response", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the hesitancy. Is it due to uncertainty, lack of information, or a desire to avoid commitment? Providing clarity enhances the reader's understanding.

Common error

While "tentative response" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound weak or indecisive. In formal or business contexts, consider stronger, more direct language if the situation warrants it. Opt for alternatives that convey confidence and clarity, such as "preliminary findings" or "initial assessment" if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative response" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tentative" modifies the noun "response". Ludwig shows that it's used to describe a reaction or answer that is hesitant, uncertain, or provisional.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tentative response" is a noun phrase used to describe a reaction or answer that lacks certainty or commitment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While the phrase is grammatically sound and widely understood, overuse can dilute the strength of your writing. Consider contextually appropriate alternatives like "hesitant answer" or "cautious reply" to achieve the desired nuance. Remember to ensure clarity when describing the reasons behind the hesitancy to enhance the impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hesitant answer

Replaces "response" with "answer", emphasizing the verbal aspect but maintaining the sense of uncertainty.

cautious reply

Substitutes "tentative" with "cautious" and "response" with "reply", highlighting a more guarded or careful reaction.

guarded reaction

Uses "guarded" to underscore the protective or defensive nature of the reaction, implying a reluctance to fully commit.

qualified acceptance

Implies a conditional or limited agreement, differing slightly by suggesting a willingness to accept with reservations.

provisional agreement

Focuses on the impermanent or conditional nature of the agreement, suitable when the response is subject to change.

initial hesitation

Highlights the delay or pause before a response, emphasizing the reluctance to immediately commit.

uncertain acknowledgement

Combines the uncertainty with a form of recognition, used when the response involves admitting or recognizing something.

vague acknowledgement

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and precision in the response.

half-hearted answer

Indicates a lack of enthusiasm or commitment in the response.

reluctant acknowledgement

Implies resistance or unwillingness in providing the response.

FAQs

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

You can use "tentative response" to describe an initial reaction or answer that is uncertain or hesitant. For example, "The company issued a "tentative response" to the allegations, promising a full investigation."

What are some alternatives to "tentative response"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "hesitant answer", "cautious reply", or "guarded reaction".

When is it appropriate to use "tentative response"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that a reaction or answer is not definitive or certain, often due to a lack of information or a desire to avoid commitment. It's useful in situations where a final decision hasn't been made.

Is there a difference between a "tentative response" and a "preliminary response"?

Yes, while both suggest an initial or non-final answer, "preliminary response" often implies that more information or a more complete answer will follow. "Tentative response" emphasizes uncertainty or hesitancy.