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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
tentative value
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "tentative value" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an estimate or provisional figure that is subject to change or confirmation. Example: "The tentative value of the project budget is set at $50,000, but it may be adjusted as we gather more information."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Academia
News & Media
Alternative expressions(20)
signs number
estimated quantity
preliminary count
approximate value
best guess
initial assessment
preliminary estimate
notional number
approximate calculation
approximate figure
reflective number
educated guess
tentative number
illustrative value
telling number
suggested amount
revealing number
indicative percentage
estimated number
tentative interest
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
7 human-written examples
From Hendrik A. Lorentz [The Hague, 22 September 1919] Eddington found stellar shift at solar limb, tentative value between nine- tenths of a second [of a degree] and twice that.
Academia
where (Delta widetilde f) is a tentative value for Δ f.
To identify this initial time, a tentative value of thermal diffusivity d b G is requested, which means, implicitly, that a tentative value of borehole thermal resistance R b G has been adopted.
Science
Then, a tentative value of ρ is selected from the simulation results as shown in Fig. 3.
First, we select a tentative value of L to be the middle value of the range (10).
This calculation is performed deterministically and overall by imposing a tentative value of c g, which is chosen as an average for the soils involved.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
We have to confront this mishmash by constantly reinventing our personal morality, trying to take quality-weighted decisions and making tentative value-judgments.
News & Media
After selecting tentative values of length, breadth, depth, draft, and displacement, the designer must achieve a weight balance.
Encyclopedias
Diffusion coefficients and solubility of oxygen in the ILs and tentative values of ORR heterogeneous rate constant in ILs without LiTFSI are reported.
Science
In this article seismic response modification factor for each of bracing systems has been determined separately and tentative values of 8.35 and 12 has been suggested for ultimate limit state and allowable stress design methods.
For grid search, P (P≥N) tentative values of Δ f, denoted as ({Delta {{widetilde f}_{1}},Delta {{widetilde f}_{2}}, cdots,Delta {{widetilde f}_{P}}}), are considered.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When presenting a "tentative value", clearly state the factors that could cause it to change. This transparency builds trust and manages expectations.
Common error
Avoid making critical decisions solely based on a "tentative value" without acknowledging its potential for inaccuracy or revision. Always seek confirmation before committing resources.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "tentative value" functions as a modifier (adjective "tentative") plus a noun ("value"), indicating a preliminary or provisional assessment. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to express that a number is not yet final and is subject to change.
Frequent in
Science
57%
Academia
14%
News & Media
14%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "tentative value" is used to describe a value that is not yet final and may be subject to change. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and is suitable for use in both formal and informal contexts, although it appears more frequently in scientific, academic and professional settings. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly communicate the potential factors that could influence the final value. Consider alternatives like "preliminary estimate" or "provisional figure" depending on the specific context.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
preliminary estimate
Replaces "value" with "estimate", focusing on the initial calculation rather than the final figure.
provisional figure
Substitutes "tentative" with "provisional", emphasizing the conditional nature of the figure.
rough approximation
Highlights the inexact nature of the value by using "rough" and "approximation".
ballpark figure
Uses an idiom to convey that the value is only approximate and not precise.
initial assessment
Shifts focus to the act of assessment, implying that the value is subject to later revision.
early projection
Emphasizes the forward-looking aspect of the value, suggesting it's based on current trends but not guaranteed.
working hypothesis
Presents the value as a basis for further investigation, typical in scientific contexts.
best guess
Simple and direct, implying the value is based more on intuition than rigorous calculation.
educated guess
Similar to "best guess", but suggests some expertise or knowledge informs the estimate.
approximate calculation
Highlights that the "value" comes from a calculation which hasn't the accuracy of the definitive one.
FAQs
How can I use "tentative value" in a sentence?
You can use "tentative value" to describe an estimated or provisional figure that is subject to change. For example, "The "tentative value" of the damage is estimated at $10,000, but a full assessment is still pending."
What is a good alternative to "tentative value"?
Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "preliminary estimate", "provisional figure", or "rough approximation".
Is it appropriate to use "tentative value" in formal writing?
Yes, "tentative value" is suitable for formal writing when you need to convey that a figure is not yet final and may be subject to change. Its use indicates a level of caution and transparency.
What factors might influence a "tentative value"?
A "tentative value" can be influenced by various factors, such as incomplete data, changing market conditions, or evolving project requirements. It's essential to identify and communicate these potential influences.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested