Useful options include first draft, initial draft, preliminary draft, and working draft. The best choice depends on context: terms for an early or unfinished version of a document.
Choose the Term by Stage of Writing
- First draft
- Initial draft
- Preliminary draft
- Working draft
- Early draft
- Draft version
- First version
- Preliminary version
- Provisional draft
- Unpolished draft
- Outline draft
- Tentative draft
- Work in progress
First draft
“First draft” is the closest neutral alternative for an early incomplete version.
Example: I’ve attached the first draft for your comments.
Initial draft
“Initial draft” is common in publishing and editing for a version still expected to change.
Example: I’ve attached the initial draft for your comments.
Preliminary draft
“Preliminary draft” emphasizes that the version is preliminary rather than final.
Example: I’ve attached the preliminary draft for your comments.
Working draft
“Working draft” is useful for documents, plans, or proposals prepared for initial review.
Example: I’ve attached the working draft for your comments.
Early draft
“Early draft” suggests a very early version created mainly to get ideas down.
Example: I’ve attached the early draft for your comments.
Draft version
“Draft version” fits writing that has not yet been edited or refined.
Example: I’ve attached the draft version for your comments.
First version
“First version” is informal and emphasizes that substantial work remains.
Example: I’ve attached the first version for your comments.
Preliminary version
“Preliminary version” is suitable when the document is shared to obtain comments before revision.
Example: I’ve attached the preliminary version for your comments.
Provisional draft
“Provisional draft” is neutral for a version produced before the final one.
Example: I’ve attached the provisional draft for your comments.
Unpolished draft
“Unpolished draft” is useful when several iterations are expected.
Example: I’ve attached the unpolished draft for your comments.
Outline draft
“Outline draft” emphasizes that the document is a working tool rather than a finished product.
Example: I’ve attached the outline draft for your comments.
Tentative draft
“Tentative draft” is informal and suitable for a first version assembled quickly.
Example: I’ve attached the tentative draft for your comments.
Work in progress
“Work in progress” fits a provisional version that may change substantially.
Example: I’ve attached the work in progress for your comments.