as a potential thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a potential thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that has the possibility of becoming real or significant in the future. Example: "We should consider this idea as a potential thing that could revolutionize our approach to marketing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"That's something we would hold out as a potential thing we do in the future".

The New York Times

"It never gets brought up as a potential thing that you want to look for".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Guildhall, Portsmouth, Wed A lot of people have already fingered Dane Baptiste as a potential next big thing, including agents, producers and the Edinburgh comedy award panel, who shortlisted him for best newcomer at last summer's fringe.

The Guardian

LawPivot is interesting both as a clear business model – charging money in a clearly-defined vertical, as opposed to the usual ad-supported business of general interest question sites – and as a potential shape of things to come.

Forbes

Mentioned as a potential candidate for bigger things, Carona has said he won't run for reelection in 2006.

Los Angeles Times

Even though he's only made one great album and three half-great ones (Illmatic and the sporadically brilliant It Was Written, Stillmatic, and the recent Life Is Good), Nas has been held up throughout all these years as a potential hip-hop G.O.A.T. for one thing and one thing only: his writing ability.

Vice

I don't see Bob Diamond, chief executive at Barclays, as a potential camp guard (for one thing, it's far too junior a position), but whenever I hear him talking at a select committee or on the radio I think he sounds none-too-smart, in fact like a moral idiot who is as distanced from the realities of life as a paparazzo swearing at a woman in the street to make her cry.

The Guardian - Business

In the first case, the child is seen as a potential adult, not playing with childish things for their own sake but growing through exploration.

The New York Times - Books

While the report provides figures on the declining use of branches, it also points to a 10% year-on-year increase in internet banking and the 1.3m text messages sent to customers each day to alert them to things such as a potential breach of their overdraft limit.

The Guardian - Business

One potential thing?

The Guardian

By putting my blog out there I am offering my readers an introduction to not only my work but the things that inspire it and the things which make me, as a researcher, as person, as a potential employee tick.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger or more specific alternatives if the context allows. Using phrases like "viable option" or "likely candidate" can add precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as a potential thing" when a more descriptive term can be used. Over-reliance on vague language can weaken your message and make your writing less impactful. Always strive for specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a potential thing" functions as an introductory element, qualifying a noun or idea. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is acceptable and usable. It suggests that something is being considered as a possible future element or action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a potential thing" is a grammatically correct phrase that introduces a possibility or idea under consideration. While it is not the most precise or formal option, as Ludwig confirms, it is acceptable in many contexts, especially in News & Media. Alternatives such as "viable option" or "likely candidate" may offer greater clarity in certain situations. When using "as a potential thing", ensure that the context clearly defines what the "thing" refers to. While "as a potential thing" is valid, stronger and more specific language is usually preferred for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a possible matter

Replaces "thing" with "matter", indicating a subject or situation being considered.

as a prospective item

Substitutes "potential" with "prospective" and "thing" with "item", suggesting something being considered for a specific purpose.

as a conceivable element

Replaces "potential" with "conceivable" and "thing" with "element", emphasizing the possibility of something being included or considered.

as a viable option

Replaces "potential thing" with "viable option", suggesting a practical and workable choice.

as a likely candidate

Replaces "potential thing" with "likely candidate", implying something or someone under consideration for a role or position.

as a hypothetical case

Substitutes "potential thing" with "hypothetical case", emphasizing a situation that is assumed for the sake of argument or investigation.

as a theoretical construct

Replaces "potential thing" with "theoretical construct", referring to an idea or concept based on theory rather than direct experience.

as a future consideration

Replaces "potential thing" with "future consideration", highlighting something to be thought about at a later time.

as a projected event

Substitutes "potential thing" with "projected event", suggesting something anticipated to happen in the future.

as a tentative plan

Replaces "potential thing" with "tentative plan", referring to a provisional arrangement subject to change.

FAQs

How can I use "as a potential thing" in a sentence?

You can use "as a potential thing" to introduce an idea or possibility that is being considered. For example, "We should hold out this idea /s/as+a+potential+thing we do in the future".

What are some alternatives to "as a potential thing"?

Some alternatives include "as a viable option", "as a likely candidate", or "as a future consideration", depending on the specific context.

Is "as a potential thing" formal or informal?

"As a potential thing" is generally considered neutral to informal. In formal contexts, consider using more precise language like "a prospective solution" or "a conceivable element".

When is it best to use "as a potential thing" over other similar phrases?

Use "as a potential thing" when you want to introduce an idea without committing to its feasibility or likelihood. It's suitable when the subject is still under consideration and its future is uncertain.