be promising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be promising" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the potential of a person or thing, or a situation that shows signs of being successful or advantageous in the future. For example: "The potential of the new business venture appears to be promising."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, even greenwashing can be promising.

The New York Times - Food

That's why a book could be promising.

The Guardian - Film

For a few consumers, it may still be promising.

The New York Times - Health

Or so Mr. Deutsch seemed to be promising.

The New York Times

I said that "The Playboy Club" might be promising.

The New Yorker

Ultimately, such a path wouldn't be promising.

The New York Times

SMT should be promising in precision medicine.

Protein & Cell

ETS-targeted therapy appears to be promising.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

The result was found to be promising.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The preliminary results seem to be promising.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Such personalized feedback appears to be promising.

Journal de Thérapie Comportementale et Cognitive

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be promising" to convey optimism about future outcomes, but avoid overstating the certainty of success. Maintain a balanced perspective by acknowledging potential challenges or limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "be promising" as a definitive prediction. Instead, frame it as a potential outcome or a possibility based on current indications. For example, rather than saying "The project will be a success", say "The project appears to "be promising" based on initial results".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be promising" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's potential or likelihood of success. Ludwig shows the phrase is used to express an expectation of favorable results or positive developments. It signifies that something exhibits qualities that suggest a positive future outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be promising" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey optimism and positive expectations about the future. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. While it's important to temper enthusiasm with realism, using "be promising" effectively communicates confidence in potential outcomes. Remember to provide context to clarify what exactly is showing promise and maintain a balanced perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show promise

Focuses on the display of potential rather than a guarantee of success.

look hopeful

Emphasizes the optimistic appearance or expectation of a positive outcome.

hold potential

Highlights the inherent capacity for future development or success.

appear favorable

Indicates that current circumstances suggest a positive outcome is likely.

seem auspicious

Suggests that events or circumstances are particularly favorable or lucky.

bode well

Implies that current signs indicate a positive future.

inspire confidence

Focuses on the ability to create a sense of trust and assurance.

have good prospects

Emphasizes the likelihood of future success or positive developments.

offer hope

Highlights the presence of optimism and the possibility of a positive result.

be encouraging

Indicates that current signs are positive and supportive.

FAQs

How can I use "be promising" in a sentence?

You can use "be promising" to describe something that shows potential for success or positive outcomes. For example: "The new drug appears to "be promising" in treating the disease" or "The initial results "be promising".".

What are some alternatives to "be promising"?

Some alternatives include "show promise", "look hopeful", or "hold potential". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is promising" or "appears to be promising"?

"Appears to "be promising"" adds a degree of caution or observation, suggesting that the promise is based on current evidence but not yet fully confirmed. "Is promising" is a more direct statement of potential.

What does it mean when something is described as "promising"?

When something is described as "promising", it means that it shows signs of future success, positive development, or beneficial outcomes. It suggests a favorable outlook based on current indicators.