tentatively

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "tentatively" is a correct word in written English.
You can use it when you are making plans or arrangements that are uncertain and can't be confirmed at the present time. For example, "We are tentatively planning on taking a trip next summer, depending on the state of travel restrictions at that time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Hollywood film U-571 (2000), in which the Royal Navy's capture of an Enigma machine during the second world war is falsely attributed to an American crew (including chief engineer Jon Bon Jovi), was denounced in parliament by prime minister Tony Blair.

The Guardian - Film

U Myint Aye, aged 61, from Yangon, has a long track record of peaceful political activism.

The Guardian

Referring back to her iconic look in the Nothing Compares 2 U video – a huge international hit written by Prince – O'Connor admitted that she was asked by her label to reconsider her image for the 1990s video.

The Guardian - Music

In Britain, the US and France the top 1% have over the past 100 years seen their fortunes rise and fall and rise again in a U-shaped arc.

The Guardian - Business

Of these, Brundage sa id 85% – almost 600,000 – are unemployed even though many of them are employable.

The Guardian - Business

"This time it was União da Madeira, his eighth promotion, from the second division to the first tier (or seventh if we exclude last year as he was sacked before the end of the season): P. Ferreira 90-91, Académica 96-97, U. Leiria 97-98, Belenenses 98-99, Leixões 06-07, Arouca 12-13, Moreirense 13-14 and U. Madeira 14-15.

The Guardian - Sport

The U-6 number is around 13%, Yellen says.

The Guardian - Business

But on Thursday at an EU summit in Brussels, Luxembourg performed a U-turn and promised to hand over all the tax rulings to the commission after Vestager announced she was extending her inquiry to all 28 EU countries.

The Guardian

Indeed the pressure became so intense over the past 72 hours that the government was forced into an embarrassing U-turn over plans to cut allowances for younger disabled people in the republic.

The Guardian

"I guess it hurts 2 have the producers tell u to ur face that nicki is the best judge we've had since simon [cowell]," the rapper further tweeted.

The Guardian - Music

Amnesty is calling for the immediate release of Burmese human rights activist U Myint Aye, who is serving a life sentence for his alleged involvement in planning a bomb attack in the Shwepyitha Township in Yangon on 1 July 2008.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tentatively", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the uncertainty or hesitation. This adds clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "tentatively" excessively in a single piece of writing, as it can make your statements seem weak or indecisive. Opt for stronger verbs or more confident phrasing where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "tentatively" modifies verbs or clauses, indicating that an action is performed with uncertainty, hesitation, or as a trial. It describes how something is done, emphasizing the lack of sureness or commitment. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tentatively" functions as an adverb to express uncertainty or hesitation in performing an action. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI indicates its current usage is limited within the provided dataset. It's best employed to convey caution or a non-committal approach, but should be used judiciously to maintain clarity and avoid undermining the strength of statements. Alternatives include "cautiously" or "provisionally", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to consider the context and desired level of formality when choosing to use "tentatively" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provisionally

Focuses on the conditional or temporary nature of an action or decision.

cautiously

Emphasizes the care and prudence taken when approaching something.

hesitantly

Highlights the wavering or reluctance in taking action.

experimentally

Implies a trial-and-error approach to see what works.

gingerly

Suggests a delicate or careful manner, often due to fear of causing harm.

preliminarily

Indicates an action is done as a first step before further development.

exploratorily

Suggests an attempt to discover more about something.

with reservation

Adds the nuance of doubt or lack of full commitment.

subject to change

Focuses on the possible modification of a decision or plan.

on a trial basis

Implies testing something before making a permanent commitment.

FAQs

How can I use "tentatively" in a sentence?

"Tentatively" describes an action done with uncertainty or hesitation. For example, "We are "provisionally" planning the event for next month."

What are some alternatives to the word "tentatively"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "cautiously", "provisionally", or "hesitantly".

Is it better to use "tentatively" or "with caution"?

Whether to use "tentatively" or "with caution" depends on whether you want to emphasize the uncertainty of the action or the care taken. "With caution" implies more deliberate carefulness.

When should I avoid using "tentatively"?

Avoid using "tentatively" when describing actions that require decisiveness or confidence, as it can undermine the strength of your message. In such cases, opt for stronger, more direct language.