a small potential

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small potential" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a modest or limited capacity for something, such as "Though he has a small potential for success, he is determined to make the most of it".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

But there was a small potential predicament.

The New York Times

This force gives rise to a small potential difference between the sides of the conductor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And for many women, doctors say, the benefits of estrogen outweigh a small potential increase in breast cancer risk.

The New York Times

Colleges like Harvard and Columbia, he said, were "very elite blue-blood, upper crust institutions," and "they just had a small potential pool of applications".

The New York Times

This force, which can be seen in Figure 5, gives rise to a small potential difference between the sides of the conductor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first occurs spontaneously when individual vesicles randomly fuse with the nerve terminal membrane and discharge their contents, generating a small potential change (about 0.5 1 millivolt), the miniature end plate potential.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

These include fewer unplaced applicants in 2012 and hence a smaller potential pool of reapplicants".

The Guardian

It has a smaller potential tuning rate.

Electrochimica Acta

Each site, of course, targets a smaller potential pool of viewers than an English site would.

Forbes

That position of the nickel atoms 1,4 was better for carbon atom drifting towards a smaller potential barrier.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The aqueous capacitor can also be used for similar AC/DC conversion, however, with a smaller potential window (Fig. S9).

Nano-Micro Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small potential" when you want to indicate that something has a limited capacity or possibility. For instance, "This technology has a small potential for growth in the current market."

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the degree of potential when using this phrase. If the potential is significant, consider using stronger terms like "considerable potential" or "great potential" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small potential" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "potential". It describes the degree or extent of a possibility or capability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small potential" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a limited degree of possibility, capability, or capacity. Analysis of various sources, including scientific publications, news articles, and encyclopedias, reveals that it is most frequently employed in scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English. When using "a small potential", it's important to ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the limited nature of the potential being described and to avoid overstating the possibilities. Alternatives like "limited potential", "slight possibility", and "modest capability" offer nuanced ways to express a similar concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited potential

Replaces "small" with "limited", emphasizing the restricted nature of the potential.

slight possibility

Shifts from "potential" to "possibility", highlighting the chance of something happening.

modest capability

Substitutes "potential" with "capability", focusing on the ability to do something.

restricted opportunity

Changes the focus to "opportunity", suggesting a limited chance for something.

minor prospect

Uses "prospect" instead of "potential", indicating a less significant outlook.

negligible capacity

Emphasizes the insignificance of the potential by using "negligible".

slim chance

Expresses a low probability using the phrase "slim chance".

tiny likelihood

Replaces "potential" with "likelihood", emphasizing the probability with "tiny".

marginal scope

Focuses on the limited extent or range of the potential.

weak probability

Highlights the reduced likelihood using the word "weak".

FAQs

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

You can use "a small potential" to indicate a limited capacity or possibility, as in "The project has "a small potential" for generating revenue".

What are some alternatives to "a small potential"?

Alternatives include "limited potential", "slight possibility", or "modest capability", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "small potential" or "limited potential"?

Both "small potential" and "limited potential" are correct, but "limited potential" might emphasize the restriction more strongly than "small potential".

What is the difference between "a small potential" and "a large potential"?

"A small potential" indicates a limited or modest capacity, while "a large potential" suggests a significant or substantial capacity. The choice depends on the degree of possibility or capability you want to convey.