tentative steps

USAGE SUMMARY

"tentative steps" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe gradually entering into a situation or process, often one that is new or unfamiliar. For example, you could say: "I'm taking tentative steps toward a career change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tentative steps, maybe.

The Guardian

These are tentative steps.

The Guardian

Tentative steps have been taken.

Independent

Trinity is taking more tentative steps.

The New York Times

The scheme is taking tentative steps forward.

The Guardian

I jumped ashore — silence — and took some tentative steps.

The New Yorker

He made tentative steps towards loosening things up.

The Economist

Other firms are taking tentative steps in a similar direction.

The Economist

Mr. Heron crept onto the stage with tentative steps.

The New York Times - Arts

And so go race relations in this country, with tentative steps forward and tentative steps back, as whites and blacks, Indians and coloreds wrestle with the past.

The New York Times

This month she has made strides with her first tentative steps.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing progress in a sensitive or uncertain situation, using "tentative steps" can effectively communicate caution and lack of guarantee.

Common error

Avoid using "tentative steps" when the situation requires a confident and decisive tone. This phrase is better suited for scenarios where progress is fragile or uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative steps" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As shown by Ludwig AI, it describes actions or progress that are undertaken cautiously, reflecting uncertainty or a lack of decisiveness. This usage aligns with its appearance in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tentative steps" describes actions or progress made with caution and uncertainty. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and business contexts. While versatile, it's most appropriate for describing fragile or experimental progress. Alternatives like "cautious measures" or "initial moves" can offer subtle differences in emphasis. When writing, be mindful of the situation's tone and avoid overselling progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, "tentative steps" is a valuable phrase for conveying measured and careful advancement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hesitant advances

Conveys a sense of reluctance or uncertainty in moving forward.

preliminary actions

Highlights the preparatory nature of the steps taken.

measured progress

Indicates slow and deliberate advancement, often with careful planning.

initial moves

Focuses on the beginning stage of a process or plan.

guarded approaches

Implies a defensive or protective strategy in undertaking the actions.

cautious measures

Emphasizes the careful and risk-averse nature of the actions taken.

early endeavors

Focuses on the temporal aspect of being at the start of an undertaking.

experimental initiatives

Suggests a trial-and-error approach, with less certainty of success.

modest beginnings

Highlights the small scale and limited scope of the initial efforts.

first phase

Refers to the initial stage of a larger project or process.

FAQs

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

You can use "tentative steps" to describe a situation where progress is being made slowly and cautiously, such as, "The company is taking "tentative steps" toward expanding into new markets".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "tentative steps"?

Alternatives to "tentative steps" include "cautious measures", "initial moves", or "preliminary actions", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "tentative steps" is appropriate for formal writing when describing careful or uncertain progress. It's a neutral phrase that doesn't introduce unnecessary jargon.

What's the difference between "tentative steps" and "bold initiatives"?

"Tentative steps" imply caution and uncertainty, while "bold initiatives" suggest confidence and risk-taking. The choice depends on the nature of the actions being described.