tentatively called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tentatively called" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a name or title that is not yet finalized and may change in the future. Example: "The new project is tentatively called 'Project Phoenix' until a final name is decided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The book is tentatively called "Power Failure".

The New York Times

The film, tentatively called Rampart Scandal, is expected to be released next year.

The Guardian

Aldanov is at work on a new novel, tentatively called "The Sources".

The New Yorker

Microsoft's device is tentatively called X-Box, and Nintendo's is code-named Dolphin.

The New York Times

And Ms. Simpson's show, tentatively called "Jessica," was not one of them.

The New York Times - Arts

One, tentatively called Vaudeville, will preview in Chicago in November before heading to New York.

The Guardian

An early version of his updated "Romeo and Juliet" was tentatively called "East Side Story".

The New York Times

The new company, tentatively called Wingcast, will be based in San Diego, Qualcomm's home.

The New York Times

Tentatively called "Cardboard Gods," it is scheduled to be published by Seven Footer Press in the spring of 2010.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Bodrov was filming his latest movie, an action film tentatively called "Messenger" in the Karmadon Gorge that fateful evening.

The New York Times

Tentatively called the Northern Westchester Long Path by Mr. Thompson, the trail would branch off in a number of directions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tentatively called" when you want to indicate that the name of something (a project, a product, etc.) is not yet final and may be changed in the future. This conveys a sense of ongoing development or uncertainty about the final name.

Common error

Avoid using "tentatively called" if the name is already officially decided or unlikely to change. Using it in such cases can introduce unnecessary ambiguity and may mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentatively called" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a past participle. It modifies a noun, indicating that the name or title associated with that noun is provisional and subject to change. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

21%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tentatively called" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that a name or title is provisional and subject to change. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register that suits various communication contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it's appropriate by indicating an actual possibility of a name change. Alternatives like "provisionally named" or "working title" can be used to vary your language, but maintain the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provisionally named

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the name, suggesting it's subject to change.

temporarily titled

Highlights the transient aspect of the title, indicating it's not permanent.

working title

Commonly used in creative fields to denote a title used during development.

preliminarily designated

Formal term indicating an initial designation that may be altered later.

subject to change

Directly expresses that the name is not fixed and can be modified.

under consideration

Implies that the name is being thought about but not yet decided.

informally known as

Suggests a name used conversationally but without official status.

for the time being

Indicates that the name is being used for now, but likely to be replaced.

as a placeholder

Highlights the role of the name as a temporary substitute.

referred to as

A general term indicating how something is currently being called.

FAQs

How to use "tentatively called" in a sentence?

You can use "tentatively called" to introduce a name that is not yet final. For instance, "The new software update is "tentatively called" 'Project Nova' until the marketing team finalizes the branding."

What can I say instead of "tentatively called"?

Alternatives include "provisionally named", "temporarily titled", or "working title", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "tentatively called" in formal writing?

Yes, "tentatively called" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to indicate that a name is not yet final. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "preliminarily designated" for highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "tentatively called" and "formerly called"?

"Tentatively called" indicates a name that is currently being used but may change, whereas "formerly called" indicates a name that was used in the past but is no longer in use. They have opposite meanings.