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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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a potential waiting

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a potential waiting" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express the idea of an opportunity or possibility that is yet to be realized, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "There is a potential waiting for us to explore new markets and expand our business."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

So it's a potential waiting to boom".

News & Media

BBC

Regardless, there is also the sense that Cuba's intellect and energy and belief in itself is a potential waiting for an opportunity.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

You feel like you're all potential, waiting to be rewritten, like a crisp, blank sheet of 8 1/2-by-11-inch white bond paper.

News & Media

The New York Times

To others, it is all potential, waiting to be reaped.

News & Media

The Economist

A great number of other LCF's, especially from wood species, has a reinforcement potential waiting to be explored.

We have extended the single-period DSM for the allocation of a fleet of ambulances to a set of potential waiting locations, such that the resulting coverage can be maximized.

I am at peace because there are so many like you what a bright future full of potential waiting to be realized by all of you.

News & Media

Huffington Post

At their first practice, Jenkins said, he told Mangold that he possessed an endless supply of talent, potential waiting to be seized.

News & Media

The New York Times

A total number of 14 vehicles had to be located at various potential waiting sites, each having a capacity p j = 1 (j ∈ W ). For a topographical representation of the four testcases under consideration see Fig. 1(a)–(d).

On the other, it encapsulates how developers have gone about injecting vivacity into the concept of a post-apocalyptic world an environment defined by scarcity, but characterized in practice by buried potential, waiting to erupt between the player's fingers.

News & Media

Vice

"All I see is untapped potential waiting to be set free".

News & Media

The New Yorker
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing unrealized possibilities, consider using established phrases like "untapped potential" or "latent opportunity" for clearer and more impactful communication.

Common error

Be cautious of combining "potential" with "waiting" directly. While understandable, it can sound redundant or grammatically unusual. Rephrase to emphasize either the potential itself or the state of anticipation.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a potential waiting" functions as a noun phrase that describes something that has potential and is currently in a state of anticipation or readiness. While Ludwig identifies the phrase as not correct, example snippets show that it aims to express latent possibilities or unrealized opportunities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a potential waiting" aims to convey the idea of latent possibilities or unrealized opportunities, it's considered grammatically incorrect and occurs infrequently. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase should be avoided. Established alternatives like "untapped potential" or "latent possibility" are better choices for clearer and more impactful communication. Its presence in news, media, and scientific sources suggests a neutral register, but its questionable correctness makes it less suitable for formal contexts. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate the phrase's intended meaning, but also highlight its awkwardness compared to standard English phrasing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a potential waiting" to sound more natural?

Consider using alternatives like "untapped potential", "latent possibility", or "dormant opportunity" depending on the specific context.

Is "a potential waiting" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "a potential waiting" is not considered grammatically standard English. It's better to use established phrases to convey the intended meaning more clearly.

What's the difference between "a potential waiting" and "untapped potential"?

"Untapped potential" is a more conventional and widely accepted way to express the idea of unrealized possibilities, whereas "a potential waiting" may sound awkward or non-idiomatic.

In what contexts might I see "a potential waiting" used?

You might encounter "a potential waiting" in informal writing or speech, but it's less common in formal or professional contexts. Prefer more established phrases for clarity and impact.

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Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: