cannot exclude the potential that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot exclude the potential that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing possibilities or uncertainties in a situation, indicating that one cannot rule out a certain outcome or scenario. Example: "While we have strong evidence supporting our hypothesis, we cannot exclude the potential that other factors may be influencing the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On the basis of the results of our present experiments, we cannot exclude the potential that there are additional factors involved in the reduction of iTNFα+ CD14+ cells.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Second, we cannot exclude the potential for confounding; it is possible that vitamin D is simply a marker for other factors associated with albuminuria.

American Journal of Hypertension

However, as the 3D reflection seismic data in the region around C0018 do not image any other thick MTDs (Strasser et al. 2011), C0018 might therefore be representative in terms of its ability to capture the largest MTD events, although we cannot exclude the potential for lower-volume, higher-frequency MTDs that cannot be resolved in the seismic data.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

The reviewer is indeed correct that we cannot exclude the potential for other mechanosensitive ion channels being responsible for the calcium influx at this point in time.

eLife

However, it should also be noted that we cannot exclude the potential contribution of maternal environmental effects on Cu tolerance of different populations of the two species, since field collected seeds were used and in the present study measurements were taken on young seedlings.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

While we cannot exclude the potential toxicity of mHttex1 monomers, our data establish that driving oligomerization clearly enhances the cytotoxic potential of mHttex1.

Plosone

Even in meta-analyses that demonstrate a non-significant reduction in mortality [18, 44, 50, 51], as this one does, the upper limit of the CI cannot exclude the potential for increased mortality with omega-3 supplementation.

Annals of Intensive Care

Moreover, we cannot exclude the potential influences of other medications on pDC numbers and functions.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

However, we cannot exclude the potential occurrence of some toxic effects, especially at long term.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

As with all observational studies, we cannot exclude the potential for residual confounding.

BMC Infectious Diseases

We cannot exclude the potential phosphorylation of other molecules by Akt in our model.

Cell Death and Disease

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot exclude the potential that" to acknowledge uncertainties or alternative explanations when presenting research findings or arguments. It adds a layer of caution and thoroughness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot exclude the potential that" when the evidence strongly suggests a particular conclusion. Overusing it can weaken your argument by creating unnecessary doubt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot exclude the potential that" functions as a hedge or a disclaimer in statements. It indicates that while a particular conclusion is favored, other possibilities remain open and haven't been definitively disproven. This is supported by Ludwig, which indicates it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot exclude the potential that" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to introduce caution, uncertainty, or alternative explanations, predominantly in formal and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from diverse sources. While it is a useful phrase for acknowledging possibilities, simpler alternatives are available for informal contexts. It’s important to use it judiciously to avoid weakening your argument with excessive hedging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot rule out the possibility that

Replaces "exclude the potential" with "rule out the possibility", emphasizing the negation of a possibility.

cannot dismiss the possibility that

Substitutes "exclude" with "dismiss", suggesting a rejection of a possibility, while retaining the core meaning.

cannot disregard the potential that

Replaces "exclude" with "disregard", indicating a failure to consider a potential.

it is possible that

Simplifies the phrase to a direct statement of possibility, omitting the negation.

the possibility exists that

Emphasizes the existence of a possibility without directly stating an inability to exclude it.

we must consider the potential that

Shifts the focus to the necessity of considering a potential, rather than excluding it.

it remains possible that

Highlights the continuing possibility of something, even if other evidence exists.

the potential remains that

Similar to 'it remains possible that', but with a slightly different emphasis.

one cannot preclude the chance that

Uses "preclude the chance" instead of "exclude the potential", maintaining a formal tone.

it is not impossible that

Expresses possibility by negating impossibility, offering a more nuanced perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot exclude the potential that" in a sentence?

This phrase is typically used in academic and scientific writing to acknowledge a possibility or alternative explanation. For example: "While our study suggests X, we "cannot exclude the potential that" Y also contributes to the effect."

What is a simpler way to say "cannot exclude the potential that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is possible that", "it may be that", or "we cannot rule out". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to use "cannot exclude the possibility that" or "cannot exclude the potential that"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and semantically similar. "Possibility" refers to a chance that something may occur, while "potential" refers to a capacity for something to develop. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, but both convey a similar sense of uncertainty.

Can "cannot exclude the potential that" be used in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, ""cannot exclude the potential that"" is generally more suited for formal or academic writing. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "it's possible that" or "maybe" are more appropriate.