harness the potential of

USAGE SUMMARY

"harness the potential of" is a correct and usable phrased in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to taking advantage of a positive possibility or opportunity. Example: To best prepare for the future, we should harness the potential of emerging technology.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Social entrepreneur Bunker Roy, the man behind India's Barefoot College, has trained more than three million rural women from around the world to harness the potential of solar energy in recent years.

The Guardian

Is Your Organization Ready to Harness the Potential of AI?

Harvard Business Review

How can we harness the potential of the web to help deliver economic recovery?

The Guardian

Why employers should harness the potential of older workers Who will support people who are ageing without children?

The Guardian

Ros Altmann, the government's adviser on older workers, says more needs to done to harness the potential of over 50s.

The Guardian

For society to best harness the potential of this group, she says certain assumptions need to be challenged.

The Guardian

Despite recent research advances, scientists are yet to fully harness the potential of visualisation when interacting with non-scientists.

Environmental Modelling & Software

WPP signed a global partnership with Twitter in June to exploit user data, in a move to harness the potential of data-driven marketing for its clients.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I had hoped to communicate that as we consider the future beyond the millennium development goals, it is important to harness the potential of tourism to make positive contributions to society and assist in conservation efforts".

Huffington Post

I remain optimistic, however, that with the right policies African countries can harness the potential of their youth, tackle violence and restiveness among their citizens, and ultimately build more inclusive and prosperous societies.

The Guardian

Other efforts to harness the potential of nanotechnology are also taking shape throughout the academic world.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "harness the potential of", clearly identify what specific potential you are referring to. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the possible benefits when you "harness the potential of" something. Ensure your claims are realistic and supported by evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harness the potential of" functions as a verb phrase that introduces the idea of utilizing or maximizing the inherent capabilities of something. It sets the stage for describing how a resource, technology, or strategy can be effectively used. Ludwig AI confirms this is a common and correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "harness the potential of" is a versatile expression used to emphasize the strategic utilization of available resources, technologies, or strategies. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It's especially common in news, science, and business contexts. To effectively use the phrase, clearly define the specific potential you're discussing and avoid overstating the possible benefits. Alternative phrases like "leverage the potential of" or "tap into the potential of" can provide nuanced options depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Leverage the potential of

Emphasis on using existing advantages strategically for greater effect. It has a more business-oriented feel.

Tap into the potential of

Suggests accessing a resource that is readily available but not fully utilized. It has a practical and direct implication.

Maximize the potential of

Focuses on achieving the highest possible outcome from available resources. The semantic component is more quantitative.

Capitalize on the potential of

Implies turning potential into tangible gains or benefits. Very close in meaning, with an economic tone.

Exploit the potential of

Indicates using potential in a way that might be opportunistic or even slightly manipulative. The nuance is more pragmatic.

Harness the capabilities of

Focuses specifically on skills, resources or capacities, rather than general opportunities.

Unlock the potential of

Suggests overcoming obstacles to reveal hidden possibilities.

Realize the potential of

Concentrates on making potential actual and tangible. It suggests a transformation from possibility to reality.

Cultivate the potential of

Highlights the need for nurturing and development to achieve full potential. More metaphorical.

Amplify the potential of

Suggests enhancing or boosting the already existing potential for greater impact.

FAQs

What does "harness the potential of" mean?

The phrase "harness the potential of" means to effectively use or control something's inherent capacity or ability to produce a desired result. It implies taking something with latent possibilities and channeling it towards a specific goal.

How can I use "harness the potential of" in a sentence?

You can use "harness the potential of" by identifying a resource, technology, or strategy and explaining how its inherent abilities can be leveraged. For example, "We need to "harness the potential of" renewable energy to reduce our carbon footprint."

What are some alternatives to "harness the potential of"?

Some alternatives to "harness the potential of" include phrases like "leverage the potential of", "tap into the potential of", or "maximize the potential of", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "harness the potential of" or "realize the potential of"?

The choice between "harness the potential of" and "realize the potential of" depends on the context. "Harness" implies control and direction, while "realize" suggests bringing something from potential to actuality. Use "harness" when you are actively managing resources and abilities and "realize" when you are observing transformation.