a real potential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real potential" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the genuine or significant possibility of something happening or being achieved. Example: "The new technology shows a real potential to revolutionize the industry and improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a real potential problem with the bill.

The Guardian

"I see this as a real potential," she said.

The Guardian - Tech

Officials added that without the action there was a real potential the ship could have capsized.

The Guardian

One friend spoke of him as "witty, forthright, a real potential leader".

The Guardian

It's definitely possible; there's a real potential for us to do it.

The Guardian - Sport

"There is a real potential for this to cause problems," Mr. Pollack said of the bombings.

The New York Times

You have a real potential for these guys making a fundamental misjudgment of this election.

The New York Times

"There's a real potential for some kind of litigation, and a workout going forward," he said.

The New York Times

"They can differentiate a little bit more between situations that pose a real, potential threat and those that do not".

The New York Times

Barnes & Noble is still left with a retail business that has a real potential to improve with Borders' sad disappearance.

The New York Times

"It seems to pose a real potential for violating our members' privacy rights," the spokeswoman, Sherry Halbrook, said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a real potential" to emphasize that something is not just theoretically possible, but has a strong chance of becoming a reality. For example, 'This project has "a real potential" to revolutionize the industry'.

Common error

Avoid using "a real potential" when the possibility is remote or purely speculative. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility. It is important to have enough evidence to support the claim that the potential is real.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real potential" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, emphasizing the genuine possibility or likelihood of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a real potential" is a commonly used phrase to highlight a genuine or significant possibility. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including News & Media and Science. When using the phrase, emphasize the validity of the potential with supporting evidence and avoid overstating the possibilities. Alternatives such as "a genuine possibility" or "a tangible prospect" can be used to add nuance. This makes "a real potential" a powerful tool for conveying possibilities with impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine possibility

Emphasizes the authenticity and likelihood of the potential.

a tangible prospect

Focuses on the concrete and measurable aspects of the potential.

a considerable capability

Highlights the significant level of ability associated with the potential.

a substantial likelihood

Stresses the degree of probability for the potential to materialize.

a promising avenue

Suggests the potential is a route or path leading to a favorable outcome.

a realistic chance

Highlights feasibility.

a definite advantage

Focuses on the beneficial aspect of the potential.

a noteworthy prospect

Highlights potential is worth paying attention to.

a legitimate expectation

Highlights the legitimacy of the potential.

a credible opportunity

Highlights the credibility of the opportunity.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a real potential" in a sentence?

Use "a real potential" to highlight a genuine possibility or prospect. For example, "This technology has "a real potential for" transforming healthcare".

What are some alternatives to "a real potential"?

You can use alternatives like "a genuine possibility", "a tangible prospect", or "a realistic chance" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a real potential" instead of "a potential"?

Use "a real potential" when you want to emphasize that the possibility is not just theoretical but has a strong likelihood of occurring or being achieved. It suggests a higher degree of certainty or feasibility than simply "a potential".

Is "a real potential" more formal or informal?

"A real potential" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation than the phrase itself.