tentative ruling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tentative ruling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to refer to a preliminary decision made by a judge that is subject to change. Example: "The judge issued a tentative ruling on the case, indicating that further arguments would be heard before a final decision is made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Bowman's action makes final a previous tentative ruling.

The Guardian

That produced a tentative ruling on Monday that went against Kleiner.

The New York Times

In that case, the court has issued a tentative ruling suggesting that the plaintiffs have a valid claim.

The New York Times

"My tentative ruling is to deny the application for a stay," Judge Virginia A. Phillips said at a hearing on the government's request, according to Reuters.

The New York Times

The judge hearing the case, Judge Dolly Gee, last month issued a 22-page tentative ruling that indicated her thinking without committing to a firm decision.

The Guardian

The tentative ruling has been kept sealed at the judge's bidding, though an account of it has been seen by the Guardian.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

SAN FRANCISCO — California's landmark law on curbing greenhouse gases, which is well on its way to taking effect, has hit a legal snag in the form of a tentative judicial ruling that state environmental regulators failed to follow legally required procedures.

The New York Times - Science

But before court convened, Block gave lawyers for both sides a tentative order essentially ruling for Monex, avoiding the need for Pribe's testimony, which would have been highly unusual for a government lawyer.

Forbes

Though the judge, Jed S. Rakoff, called the rulings tentative and subject to change during the trial, the indication that he will admit the wiretaps is a major victory for the prosecution.

The New York Times

Judge Young's ruling was tentative, and allows the sides to suggest modifications within 30 days.

The New York Times

The case was argued in November, and the passage of time suggests there was a tentative majority for a ruling that evaporated as draft opinions were circulated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tentative ruling", ensure you clarify whether the ruling is likely to become final or if further deliberations are expected.

Common error

Avoid treating a "tentative ruling" as a definitive decision. Always verify its current status before making assumptions or taking actions based on it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative ruling" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a preliminary decision made by a judge. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tentative ruling" is a common and grammatically correct term used primarily in legal and news contexts. It denotes a preliminary decision by a judge that is subject to change. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-established and widely understood. While alternatives like "preliminary ruling" or "provisional ruling" exist, "tentative ruling" clearly communicates the non-final nature of the decision. Therefore, it's essential to understand that a "tentative ruling" isn't a definitive outcome and may be modified after further deliberation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary ruling

Replaces "tentative" with "preliminary", indicating an initial or preparatory ruling.

provisional ruling

Uses "provisional" to emphasize the temporary nature of the ruling.

interim ruling

Highlights the ruling's role as a temporary measure until a final decision.

draft ruling

Emphasizes that the ruling is still in the development stage.

initial decision

Focuses on the ruling being the first decision made in the matter.

temporary decision

Replaces "ruling" with "decision", making it less specific to legal contexts, and highlights its transient nature.

conditional ruling

Suggests that the ruling is dependent on certain conditions being met.

subject-to-change ruling

Explicitly states the ruling's potential to be altered.

non-final ruling

Directly indicates that the ruling is not the last word on the matter.

unconfirmed ruling

Implies that the ruling is not yet officially recognized or validated.

FAQs

What does "tentative ruling" mean in legal terms?

A "tentative ruling" is a preliminary decision made by a judge that is subject to change before it becomes final. It indicates the judge's current thinking but isn't binding.

What can I say instead of "tentative ruling"?

You can use alternatives like "preliminary ruling", "provisional ruling", or "interim ruling" depending on the context.

How is a "tentative ruling" different from a final judgment?

A "tentative ruling" is not final and can be revised, while a final judgment is the conclusive resolution of a case by a court.

What happens after a judge issues a "tentative ruling"?

Typically, parties have the opportunity to submit further arguments or evidence. The judge then considers these submissions before issuing a final ruling.