What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tentative
Example
The date for the meeting is tentative and may change. [tentative: adjective]
Example
We made tentative plans to go camping next weekend, but it depends on the weather. [tentative: adjective]
preliminary
Example
The team conducted preliminary research before starting the project. [preliminary: adjective]
Example
The preliminary round of the competition will determine who advances to the finals. [preliminary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tentative is more commonly used than preliminary in everyday language, as it is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts. However, preliminary is often used in technical or formal contexts, such as in scientific research or legal proceedings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tentative and preliminary?
Preliminary is generally considered more formal than tentative, as it is often used in technical or professional settings. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.
