has the potential to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"has the potential to be" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a hypothetical situation or potential outcome. For example: "This invention has the potential to be a game-changer in the tech industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He has the potential to be exceptional.

Independent

"It has the potential to be messy".

The Guardian

"Everyone has the potential to be creative.

The Guardian - Arts

Every child has the potential to be gifted and talented.

The Guardian

"The net has the potential to be a community".

The New York Times

The investigation has the potential to be embarrassing for Fifa.

The Guardian - Sport

Biology has the potential to be just as disruptive.

The Guardian - Tech

This year has the potential to be a watershed.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has the potential to be a total car crash.

The Guardian - Film

Myspace has the potential to be that place.

The Guardian - Tech

Iraq has the potential to be a great nation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has the potential to be", ensure that you provide context or evidence to support the claim. Avoid making unsubstantiated statements.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the potential without providing concrete examples or realistic scenarios. Ground your claims in tangible possibilities rather than pure speculation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has the potential to be" functions as a modal phrase that expresses possibility or capability. It indicates that something or someone possesses the inherent qualities or conditions necessary to develop into a particular state or achieve a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has the potential to be" is a versatile and widely used phrase that expresses possibility and capability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and Ludwig’s examples illustrate its frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide supporting evidence and avoid exaggeration. Alternatives like "could become" or "may evolve into" can offer nuanced shades of meaning. With its neutral register and broad applicability, "has the potential to be" remains a valuable tool for expressing future possibilities with clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could become

Focuses on the possibility of future transformation or development.

holds promise as

Emphasizes the potential for future success or positive outcomes.

is capable of becoming

Emphasizes the inherent ability or capacity for future development.

is poised to develop into

Indicates readiness and likelihood of growth or advancement.

is on track to become

Suggests a planned or predictable course of development.

may evolve into

Highlights the gradual process of change and development over time.

might grow into

Suggests a natural and gradual process of development.

possesses the ability to transform into

Stresses the existing ability and the act of changing form or character.

stands a chance of being

Highlights the possibility or probability of a specific state or condition.

is liable to turn into

Implies a tendency or inclination toward a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "has the potential to be" in a sentence?

Use "has the potential to be" to express that something or someone is capable of developing into something significant. For example, "This technology "has the potential to be" a game-changer in healthcare".

What are some alternatives to saying "has the potential to be"?

You can use alternatives like "could become", "may evolve into", or "is capable of becoming" depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate, "has the potential to be" or "has the potential to become"?

Both "has the potential to be" and "has the potential to become" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on stylistic preference, although "has the potential to be" is slightly more common.

What's the difference between ""has the potential to be"" and "is likely to be"?

"Has the potential to be" suggests a capacity for development, while "is likely to be" implies a higher probability based on current circumstances. The former focuses on inherent capability; the latter, on probable outcome.