tentatively accepted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'tentatively accepted' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone has accepted something, but only in a provisional way, without fully committing to it. For example: After a period of consideration, the job offer was tentatively accepted by the candidate.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The framework that Iran tentatively accepted last week goes much further than the 2009 deal.

The New Yorker

The buyer has made an attractive offer that you've tentatively accepted.

Harvard University

The Committee on Small Body Names of the International Astronomical Union has tentatively accepted the name.

University of California, Berkeley

The offer was tentatively accepted by the agency, which was gearing up for a global war against terrorists.

The New York Times

The majority of unionists, therefore, will not welcome a President McGuinness in the way they tentatively accepted Mary McAleese, the outgoing head of state.

The Guardian

The art world tentatively accepted it as an original, and the lanx was sold at auction in 1992 for £100,000, before being donated to the British Museum.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The system works by tentatively accepting students to their top-choice school.

The New York Times

Science is the fraught process of building, testing, and then either rejecting or tentatively accepting theoretical hypotheses.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In the first iterations, each unengaged woman proposes to the man she prefers most, and then each man tentatively accepts the proposal he prefers and rejects all others.

The New York Times

The iterations then continue, with each unengaged woman proposing to the most-preferred man to whom she has not yet proposed (whether or not the man is already engaged), and each man tentatively accepting the proposal he prefers and rejecting all others.

The New York Times

But he suggests that the order to be found in the universe, in particular the adjustments of organisms for the ends of survival and reproduction, provides grounds for tentatively accepting the existence of a creator.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tentatively accepted" to convey a sense of openness to change or further negotiation. It is suitable when the acceptance is not yet final or binding.

Common error

Avoid using "tentatively accepted" when a firm, unconditional acceptance is intended. This phrase implies a degree of uncertainty or possibility of future changes, which can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentatively accepted" functions as a compound verb phrase, where 'tentatively' modifies the verb 'accepted'. It indicates the manner in which the acceptance occurred, suggesting it was provisional or subject to change. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tentatively accepted" is a grammatically correct and commonly used compound verb phrase, suitable for conveying provisional acceptance. As Ludwig AI explains, its purpose is to indicate that an agreement or decision is not yet final and may be subject to change. Predominantly found in news and media, scientific, and academic contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "provisionally agreed" and "conditionally approved". When using "tentatively accepted", ensure that you accurately represent the level of commitment intended, avoiding its use when a firm acceptance is meant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provisionally agreed

Indicates a preliminary agreement, often subject to further confirmation.

conditionally approved

Highlights that approval is subject to meeting specific conditions.

subject to acceptance

Emphasizes that final acceptance depends on future events or criteria.

provisionally endorsed

It points to a preliminary support, not an absolute commitment.

accepted on a trial basis

Implies that acceptance is temporary and for evaluation purposes.

preliminarily endorsed

Suggests initial support, but not necessarily full commitment.

initially agreed

Highlights an agreement at the first stage of discussion.

accepted with reservations

Indicates acceptance despite some doubts or objections.

under consideration

Suggests that something is being evaluated but not yet fully accepted.

partially accepted

Highlights that only parts of something were accepted.

FAQs

How to use "tentatively accepted" in a sentence?

Use "tentatively accepted" when something has been accepted but might change later. For example, "The proposal was "tentatively accepted", pending final budget approval."

What can I say instead of "tentatively accepted"?

You can use alternatives like "provisionally agreed", "conditionally approved", or "subject to acceptance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "tentatively accepted" or "accepted tentatively"?

"Tentatively accepted" is more common and idiomatic. While "accepted tentatively" is grammatically correct, it is less frequently used.

What's the difference between "tentatively accepted" and "fully accepted"?

"Tentatively accepted" means there's a chance the acceptance could be reversed or modified. "Fully accepted" implies complete and unconditional agreement.