tentatively planning for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tentatively planning for" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are making plans for something, but still considering other possible options or outcomes. For example, "We are tentatively planning for our vacation next year, but we may change our minds depending on the cost of plane tickets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Administration officials have been tentatively planning for Mr. Bush to deliver a major economic speech in Chicago on Dec. 17.

The New York Times

But the official said the White House was tentatively planning for Mr. Bush to declare victory in an address he will deliver on the carrier Abraham Lincoln off the coast of California.

The New York Times

The season's 16 productions are about average for recent years, but Mr. Kellogg said he was tentatively planning for 19 productions in 2006-7, partly because of an improved financial picture at the house.

The New York Times

James and Katie, meanwhile, are "renovating their new house in south London and tentatively planning for the future".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

A lengthy legal tussle followed the couple's arrest, with a trial tentatively planned for August.

The New York Times

Attention turns now to what happens next in Burkina Faso, where elections are tentatively planned for November.

The Guardian

Kevin's wake was tentatively planned for Friday and a funeral was to follow on Saturday, the family said.

The New York Times

But I console myself that the Annapolis meeting, tentatively planned for Nov. 26, is not about a peace settlement.

The New York Times

With truce talks tentatively planned for later today, Palestinians and Israelis did not wait for dawn to resume their all-but-declared war.

The New York Times

A section of Grim Reaper genre cartoons tentatively planned for this week's issue was replaced with New Yorker World War II jokes.

The New York Times

The speech, which was tentatively planned for this month in Chicago, may now be postponed until a new economic team is in place.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tentatively planning for" when you want to convey that your plans are subject to change based on new information or evolving circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "tentatively planning for" if the plans are already confirmed or highly likely to occur. In such cases, use a more definitive phrase to avoid conveying unnecessary uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentatively planning for" functions as a verb phrase indicating a preliminary or conditional intention to make arrangements. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It sets expectations that plans are not yet definite.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tentatively planning for" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express intentions that are subject to change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in news and media, indicating a neutral register. It effectively communicates that plans are underway but not yet finalized. Consider alternative phrasing like "provisionally scheduling for" when aiming for subtle differences in emphasis. Use the phrase when you want to convey a sense of preparation alongside a degree of uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to change planning for

Explicitly states that the plans are not final and may be altered.

preliminarily arranging for

Emphasizes the initial and subject-to-change nature of the arrangement.

provisionally scheduling for

Focuses on setting a tentative date or time.

contingently organizing for

Suggests that the organization depends on certain conditions being met.

incompletely committing to plans for

Underscores that the commitment to the plans is not absolute.

experimentally preparing for

Highlights the exploratory nature of the preparation.

aiming for, but not definite

Indicates an intention with a clear disclaimer of uncertainty.

working towards, with flexibility

Implies progress towards a goal while maintaining adaptability.

considering plans for, without making commitments

Highlights the act of thinking about plans without formally agreeing to them.

in the process of planning, but open to alternatives

Shows that planning is underway, but other options are being considered.

FAQs

How can I use "tentatively planning for" in a sentence?

You can use "tentatively planning for" to indicate that you are in the early stages of planning something, but the details are not yet finalized. For example, "We are tentatively planning for a summer vacation."

What does "tentatively planning for" mean?

It means to be in the process of creating plans, but with the understanding that those plans could change.

What are some alternatives to "tentatively planning for"?

Alternatives include "preliminarily arranging for", "provisionally scheduling for", or "aiming for, but not definite".

Is it appropriate to use "tentatively planning for" in professional writing?

Yes, "tentatively planning for" is appropriate for professional writing when you want to express that plans are still in development and may be subject to change.