very tentative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very tentative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is uncertain, hesitant, or not fully developed, often in the context of plans, ideas, or statements. Example: "Her very tentative proposal for the project left the team unsure about the direction they should take."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's all very tentative".

The Guardian - Sport

"I was very tentative.

The New York Times

"I got very tentative.

The New York Times - Sports

"The mood seemed very tentative".

The New York Times - Arts

"We were very, very tentative".

The New York Times - Sports

She just looked very tentative out there".

The New York Times - Sports

"I felt very tentative about my life.

The New York Times - Style

"I was very tentative on the greens today," Mickelson said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Life is very tentative in its early, tender stages.

The New York Times - Health

Especially at the beginning, I was very tentative in my running away.

The New Yorker

And, he said, "Shows were pitched in a very tentative way, almost apologetically.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very tentative", ensure the context clearly conveys the reason for the uncertainty or hesitation. Provide supporting details to enhance understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "very tentative" as a vague qualifier without providing context. Instead, explain why something is tentative to offer more clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very tentative" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun with a high degree of uncertainty or lack of firmness. Ludwig examples confirm its use in modifying nouns like 'steps', 'peace', 'agreement', and 'plans'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very tentative" is a frequently used adjectival phrase that conveys a high degree of uncertainty or lack of firmness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears commonly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure to provide sufficient context to explain the source of the tentativeness. While "very tentative" is appropriate for describing situations where caution or uncertainty is warranted, consider alternatives like ""highly speculative"" or ""extremely provisional"" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite hesitant

Focuses on the reluctance or unwillingness to proceed confidently.

noticeably hesitant

Similar to quite hesitant but adds stronger emphasis to a visible feeling of hesitation.

extremely provisional

Highlights the temporary and subject-to-change aspect.

deeply uncertain

Emphasizes the significant level of doubt and lack of clarity.

quite speculative

Emphasizes the speculative nature of the information.

highly speculative

Emphasizes the speculative nature and lack of concrete evidence.

remarkably cautious

Stresses the careful and guarded approach being taken.

somewhat unconfirmed

Highlights the fact that the information or situation has not been fully verified.

exceptionally guarded

Suggests a strong level of protection or concealment of information.

rather iffy

An informal way to indicate that something is doubtful or questionable.

FAQs

What does "very tentative" mean?

The phrase "very tentative" means something is uncertain, hesitant, or not fully developed. It indicates a lack of confidence or a provisional nature.

How can I use "very tentative" in a sentence?

You can use "very tentative" to describe plans, ideas, or agreements that are not yet firm. For example, "The negotiations are at a "very tentative stage"." or "She made a "very tentative offer"".

What are some alternatives to "very tentative"?

Alternatives include "highly speculative", "extremely provisional", or "quite hesitant". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "very tentative"?

It's appropriate to use "very tentative" when you want to emphasize the uncertainty or lack of commitment regarding a plan, idea, or agreement. Avoid using it when describing established facts or certain outcomes.