a significant potential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant potential" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood or capacity for something to occur or develop in a meaningful way. Example: "The new technology shows a significant potential to revolutionize the industry and improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Iraq possesses a significant potential for additional oil discoveries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But along with the breakthroughs has come a significant potential for waste and abuse, experts say.

The New York Times

It would be enough to know that a significant potential problem existed.

The New York Times - Science

"There is a significant potential for conflict," said Kevin Hause, an Internet music analyst with IDG, a market research group.

The New York Times

Its report concluded that "protection payments for safe passage are a significant potential source of funding for the Taliban".

The New Yorker

Buying Potash would deprive BHP's shareholders of a significant potential cash return, too.

The New York Times

"This is a significant potential health risk for the children of pregnant women," Caroline Smith DeWaal, of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said.

The New York Times

For example, an accounting firm may audit a client whose rival is a strategic partner of the firm's consulting unit -- a significant potential conflict of interest.

The New York Times

TTC calculations stretched out until 2016 make a significant potential difference in revenue split, and SOCAR wants to revisit this issue.

The Guardian

The area has a significant potential to produce around 50,000 MW of electricity.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Consequently, it is apparent that AVs have a significant potential which is already being tested worldwide.

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant potential", ensure you clearly define what that potential is and what factors contribute to it.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant potential" without providing supporting evidence or realistic parameters. Overstating the potential can lead to unrealistic expectations and damage credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant potential" functions as a noun phrase, where 'significant' modifies the noun 'potential'. According to Ludwig, this construction effectively points out that something holds a noteworthy capacity for growth or development. It's commonly used to highlight promising aspects or possibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a significant potential" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a notable capacity for development or positive outcomes. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is commonly found across various contexts including science, news, and formal business settings, emphasizing its versatility and broad applicability. To effectively utilize this phrase, ensure that you provide context to support the potential and avoid overstating its likelihood without sufficient evidence. Alternatives like "a considerable potential" or "a substantial likelihood" can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable potential

Emphasizes the extent of the potential; interchangeable in most contexts.

a substantial potential

Highlights the solid or concrete nature of the potential.

a notable potential

Focuses on the visibility or recognizability of the potential.

a remarkable potential

Emphasizes the unusual or exceptional nature of the potential.

a considerable possibility

Shifts the focus slightly from potential to a realistic chance.

a substantial likelihood

Indicates a strong probability of something occurring.

a promising outlook

Suggests a positive and favorable future.

a high probability

Indicates the strong possibility of happening.

a good chance

Suggests something is likely to happen.

a strong possibility

Emphasizes the robustness of the possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "a significant potential" in a sentence?

Use "a significant potential" to highlight the noteworthy possibility or capacity for something to develop or occur. For example: "This research area shows "a significant potential" for groundbreaking discoveries."

What are some alternatives to "a significant potential"?

You can use alternatives like "a considerable potential", "a substantial likelihood", or "a promising outlook" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "significant potential" or "high potential"?

"Significant potential" and "high potential" are similar, but "significant potential" emphasizes the magnitude or importance of the potential, while "high potential" focuses on the degree or level. Both are correct and their choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something has "a significant potential"?

It means that there is a noteworthy or substantial possibility for that thing to develop, improve, or succeed. It indicates a real and meaningful chance for something positive to occur.