a untapped potential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a untapped potential" is not correct; it should be "an untapped potential." You can use it to describe a resource, talent, or ability that has not yet been fully utilized or developed. Example: "The region has an untapped potential for renewable energy sources." Alternative expressions include "unrealized potential" and "unused potential."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Whereas peels, regarded as a waste usually, have an untapped potential in the resource utilization and might be available for potential green synthesis purposes.

Nanoscale Research Letters

1 4 As a primary care discipline with an untapped potential for contribution to medical education, FM has played an important role in the trend of the past few decades to orient medical school curricula toward community-based health services alongside those traditionally hospital-based.

BMJ Open

Legaltech is an emerging sector, with an untapped potential that investors should not overlook.

TechCrunch

Our results highlight an untapped potential of CPT as a measurement tool to characterize the information processing underlying risky choice.

Cognitive Psychology

She describes the Italians as having an untapped potential for greatness and a desire for freedom.

Wikipedia

These aspects might indicate an untapped potential for students' acquisition of a positive attitude toward reading, especially regarding the suggested method of the EU High Level Group of Experts on Literacy (2012) to improve reading skills in Europe.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

She was in no doubt that there was an untapped potential workforce of well-qualified and experienced professional parents wanting to work if the job offered flexibility.

The Guardian

Found or ephemeral objects redolent of human use, frailty and the passage of time suddenly presented an untapped potential, as did simple, implicitly Minimalist presentations of "one thing after another," in Donald Judd's words.

The New York Times - Arts

These studies point towards an untapped potential for prompting cued body movement to improve learning.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

The involvement of health care providers in such efforts may be an untapped potential.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

There exists an untapped potential for mixed methods research to contribute to advancements within the field of educational technology in higher education.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the indefinite article "an" before the word "untapped" because it begins with a vowel sound. Following the basic rule of English phonetics ensures your writing remains professional and clear.

Common error

A frequent mistake is applying the article "a" based on a generic habit of noun phrasing without checking the initial sound of the following adjective. This leads to awkward phrasing that disrupts the flow for the reader.

How to use

Learn how to use "a untapped potential" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a untapped potential" is a noun phrase intended to function as a direct object or subject complement. However, as noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically incorrect. In the data provided by Ludwig AI, the correct form "an untapped potential" is used to describe underutilized resources in fields ranging from biotechnology to social science.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a untapped potential" is a common grammatical error. In English, the choice between "a" and "an" is determined by the sound that follows. Since "untapped" begins with a vowel sound, the article must be "an". Ludwig AI shows that reputable sources like The New York Times and Science Magazine exclusively use "an untapped potential" or insert a consonant-starting adjective to justify the use of "a", such as "a huge untapped potential". To ensure your writing is polished, always verify the phonetic start of your adjectives when using indefinite articles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an untapped potential

Uses the correct indefinite article for a word starting with a vowel sound

unrealized potential

Focuses on potential that has not yet been achieved or made real

underutilized potential

Suggests that the potential is being used but not to its full extent

latent potential

Uses a more formal term for hidden or dormant abilities

dormant potential

Emphasizes that the potential is currently inactive or 'asleep'

vast potential

Adds an intensive adjective to highlight the scale of the possibility

untapped resources

Shifts the focus from abstract potential to tangible assets or means

hidden talent

More specific to human abilities and skills

a wealth of potential

Uses a different quantifier to emphasize the abundance of opportunity

unused capacity

A more technical or industrial way to describe unexploited power

FAQs

Which is correct, "a untapped potential" or "an untapped potential"?

The correct form is "an untapped potential" because "untapped" starts with a vowel sound (uh), which requires the article "an".

What does it mean when something has "an untapped potential"?

It means there is a capacity for development, success or growth that has not yet been exploited or used. You can also describe this as "unrealized potential".

Can I say "a significant untapped potential"?

Yes, this is correct. When an adjective starting with a consonant sound like "significant" is placed between the article and "untapped", the article changes back to "a". For example: "a significant untapped potential".

What is a more formal synonym for "untapped potential"?

In formal or academic contexts, you might prefer to use "latent potential" or "dormant capacity".