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Meaning & use

provisional basis

phrase·Advancedformal

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UK/prəˌvɪʒənl ˈbeɪsɪs/
US/prəˌvɪʒənl ˈbeɪsɪs/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phraseformal

    in a temporary way, to be changed or confirmed later.

    Grammar: Almost always used in the pattern 'on a provisional basis'.

    Patterns

    • on a provisional basis
    • work on a provisional basis
    • agree to something on a provisional basis

    The two sides agreed to the deal on a provisional basis, pending a full review next month.

    She was hired on a provisional basis until her qualifications could be checked.

    The committee accepted the plan on a provisional basis, meaning it could still be rejected later.

  2. phrasefixed phraseformal

    a starting point or foundation that is not yet final or certain.

    Grammar: Used after 'a' or 'the' when 'basis' means the underlying reason or foundation.

    Patterns

    • a provisional basis for something
    • use something as a provisional basis

    These early findings provide a provisional basis for further research.

    The draft budget served as a provisional basis for the negotiations.

Common combinations

on a provisional basis
The permit was issued on a provisional basis and will expire in three months.
accept something on a provisional basis
The board accepted the merger on a provisional basis, subject to shareholder approval.
appoint someone on a provisional basis
They appointed a new manager on a provisional basis while the search continued.
a provisional basis for an agreement
The outline treaty gave a provisional basis for peace talks.

Synonyms and how they differ

temporarily
An adverb meaning for a limited time; it is more direct and less formal than 'on a provisional basis'.
on a trial basis
Similar, but it emphasizes testing something to see if it works, not just that it is not final.
conditionally
Means subject to certain conditions being met; 'provisional' focuses on being temporary or not yet confirmed.

Opposites

permanentlyon a permanent basis

Word family

provisional adjective
temporary or not yet final.
provisionally adverb
in a temporary way.
basis noun
the main reason or starting point for something.

Commonly confused: provisional basis or provisional basis?

provisional basis vs provisional basis

Not to be confused with 'basic provision', which means a fundamental supply or condition. 'Provisional basis' is about something being temporary.

Practice

The new employee was taken on ___ provisional basis for three months.

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