increase the potential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increase the potential" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when talking about increasing the possibility or ability of something or someone. Example: "By implementing this new training program, we hope to increase the potential of our employees to excel in their roles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This could increase the potential career opportunities coming your way.

The Guardian

Perversely, defences can increase the potential consequences of a flood.

The Economist

The amended bill would increase the potential liability for large companies operating in California.

Harvard University

Stronger fundamentals, of course, increase the potential for future satisfactory return on investment.

Harvard Business Review

Competitive pressure and the desire for scoops can increase the potential for errors.

The Washington Post

More debt and you load up risk to shareholders but increase the potential return per share.

The Guardian - Business

This represents one way to open that up a bit and increase the potential scope of other options".

The Guardian

In addition to increasing the scope of our actions, we have to increase the potential scale of their impact.

The Guardian

This represents a one way to open that up a bit and increase the potential scope of other options".

The Guardian

Such small populations foster inbreeding and increase the potential for local extinctions because of famine or natural disaster.

The New York Times - Science

In particular, genetic modification (GM) enables plant breeders to increase the potential of crops and reduce the timescales involved.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "increase the potential" when you want to emphasize the enhancement of inherent abilities or future possibilities. For instance, "Investing in education can "increase the potential" for economic growth".

Common error

Avoid using "increase the potential" in contexts where the meaning is too broad or undefined. For example, instead of saying "This will increase the potential", specify what potential is being increased, such as "This will "increase the potential" for innovation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increase the potential" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "increase" acts as a transitive verb requiring an object (the potential). The phrase is used to express the action of enhancing or enlarging the inherent possibilities or capabilities of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "increase the potential" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the act of enhancing the possibilities or capabilities of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts, suggesting its use is appropriate for professional and informative communication. To ensure clarity, it's best to specify which potential is being enhanced. Alternatives like "maximize the possibility" and "enhance the likelihood" can be used to add variety while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maximize the possibility

Replaces "potential" with "possibility", focusing on maximizing the chance of something happening.

enhance the likelihood

Emphasizes making something more likely to occur, changing the verb and the noun.

boost the opportunity

Focuses on improving a chance or occasion, using different vocabulary.

expand the capacity

Highlights increasing the ability to hold or contain something, shifting the focus to capability.

develop the prospect

Suggests cultivating or growing a future possibility.

amplify the power

Focuses on increasing the strength or influence.

intensify the probability

Highlights strengthening the chance that something will occur.

magnify the scope

Concentrates on enlarging the extent or range of something.

enlarge the aptitude

Focuses on expanding a natural ability or talent.

sharpen the faculty

Emphasizes improving a mental or physical power.

FAQs

How can I use "increase the potential" in a sentence?

Use "increase the potential" when referring to enhancing the possibility or ability of something. For example, "Additional training will "increase the potential" of employees to handle complex tasks".

What are some alternatives to "increase the potential"?

You can use alternatives like "maximize the possibility", "enhance the likelihood", or "boost the opportunity" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "increase the potential" or "maximize potential"?

While both are correct, "increase the potential" suggests a gradual enhancement, whereas "maximize potential" implies reaching the highest possible level. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize improvement or complete fulfillment of potential.

What's the difference between "increase the potential" and "realize the potential"?

"Increase the potential" refers to making something's possibilities greater, while "realize the potential" means to actually achieve or bring those possibilities into reality. One focuses on growth, the other on accomplishment.