hold promise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold promise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that offers the potential for success, development, or improvement. For example, "The new project looks like it holds promise for the future of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other mobile devices hold promise.

The New York Times - Tech

Only quiet negotiation and patience hold promise.

The New Yorker

Do GMO crops hold promise or peril?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Soon the news began to hold promise.

The New York Times - Arts

The results hold promise for future applications within tissue engineering.

Biomaterials

Shark repellents hold promise; more research and development is needed.

Marine Policy

The established macromers hold promise for various biomedical purposes.

Acta Biomaterialia

Other screening methods hold promise in specific settings.

Vaccine

MegaBeacon probes hold promise for variable target nucleic acids.

Journal of Virological Methods

Cellular replacement could hold promise for a cure.

Yale University

They also hold promise for more efficient solar cells.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold promise" when you want to express that something has the capacity or potential for a positive outcome in the future. It's suitable for scenarios where you want to convey optimism and expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "hold promise" when describing something with already proven results. This phrase is best suited for potential future benefits, not current or past achievements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold promise" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something has the potential or capability to yield a positive outcome in the future. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is used to convey optimism and expectation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold promise" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey potential or future success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate when discussing innovations, research, or solutions that show positive indicators. Predominantly found in scientific and news media contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register. When writing, remember to use "hold promise" for potential outcomes, not for already achieved results. Alternatives include "show potential", "offer hope", and "look promising".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have potential

Indicates an inherent capacity for growth or development.

look promising

Highlights the current appearance or indications that suggest a positive future.

show potential

Emphasizes the visible qualities suggesting future success rather than an inherent capability.

indicate potential

States directly that something shows signs of future capability.

offer hope

Focuses on instilling optimism about a possible positive outcome.

seem likely to succeed

Directly assesses the probability of achieving a favorable result.

present prospects

Highlights the existence of opportunities and possibilities for advancement.

bode well

Similar to 'augur well', it suggests favorable omens or indications.

augur well

Suggests that current signs are positive indicators of future events.

portend success

Implies that the future holds a likelihood of achieving goals.

FAQs

How can I use "hold promise" in a sentence?

You can use "hold promise" to suggest potential or future success. For example, "This new technology "holds promise" for revolutionizing the industry."

What's a good alternative to "hold promise"?

Alternatives to "hold promise" include "show potential", "offer hope", or "look promising". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "held promise"?

Yes, "held promise" is the past tense of "hold promise" and is used to describe something that showed potential in the past. For example, "The project "held promise" initially, but ultimately failed to deliver."

What is the difference between "hold promise" and "be promising"?

"Hold promise" suggests that something possesses potential, while "be promising" describes something that currently appears likely to succeed. "This research "holds promise"" means the research has potential, while "This research "is promising"" means the research is currently showing positive results.