tentatively yes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tentatively yes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express a cautious or uncertain agreement to a proposal or question. Example: "When asked if she would attend the meeting, her response was a tentative yes, as she needed to check her schedule first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Tentatively, yes, although recent radio silence from its makers at Guildford's Hello Games suggests either crunch time, panic stations, or both.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He tentatively said "yes".

Huffington Post

I tentatively said yes, wanting to know more details.

Vice

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

The Guardian - Music

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

The New York Times

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes and yes.

The New York Times - Arts

Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes.

Vice

Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes.

Vice

I7: Yes, yes, yes.

BMC Public Health

Yes, yes.

BMC Geriatrics

Ever since he tentatively quivered "Hell yes" to Jeremy Paxman, Miliband's slow march to cool has been unstoppable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tentatively yes" when you want to convey agreement, but also want to express that you're not fully committed or certain about the outcome. This is especially useful in situations where unforeseen factors could influence the final result.

Common error

Avoid using "tentatively yes" in highly formal or critical business communications. In such scenarios, opt for more decisive language or, if uncertainty is unavoidable, clearly state the conditions upon which your agreement depends.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentatively yes" functions as an affirmation modified by an adverb. The adverb "tentatively" indicates that the agreement is given with some hesitation or uncertainty. Ludwig examples show it used to express conditional or uncertain agreement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tentatively yes" is a grammatically correct way to express agreement laced with uncertainty. As highlighted by Ludwig, it functions as an affirmation modified by the adverb "tentatively", indicating hesitation or reservation. While it's more commonly found in news and media, it's important to use it judiciously, especially in formal contexts where a more decisive answer might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "cautiously agreeing" or "provisionally agreeing" for a more professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cautiously agreeing

Indicates agreement but with a degree of wariness or reluctance.

provisionally agreeing

Implies agreement subject to certain conditions or further confirmation.

hesitantly consenting

Highlights the hesitation in giving consent.

reluctantly accepting

Emphasizes the unwillingness behind the acceptance.

with reservations, yes

Expresses agreement but with lingering doubts or concerns.

agreeing with hesitation

Directly states the presence of hesitation during agreement.

somewhat agree

Shows partial agreement or agreement to a limited extent.

kind of yes

An informal way of expressing mild agreement.

maybe yes

Expresses uncertainty with the agreement.

not entirely sure, but yes

Highlights a significant lack of certainty despite the agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "tentatively yes" in a sentence?

You can use "tentatively yes" to express a cautious or hesitant agreement. For example, "When asked if she would lead the project, her response was a "tentatively yes", as she needed to assess her current workload first".

What are some alternatives to saying "tentatively yes"?

Instead of "tentatively yes", consider using phrases like "cautiously agreeing", "provisionally agreeing", or "hesitantly consenting" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "tentatively yes" appropriate for formal communication?

While grammatically correct, "tentatively yes" may sound too informal for certain formal settings. In such cases, opt for more professional language that clearly states your reservations or conditions for agreement.

What does it mean when someone responds with "tentatively yes"?

A "tentatively yes" generally indicates that the person is inclined to agree, but has some reservations, uncertainties, or conditions that need to be considered before fully committing.