is promising

USAGE SUMMARY

"is promising" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express that something has the potential to be successful or fruitful in the future. For example: The new marketing strategy is promising and could bring in a significant return on investment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

— is promising.

The New York Times - Arts

This is promising.

The Economist

The gimmick is promising.

The New York Times - Arts

All this is promising.

The Economist

The source material is promising.

The New York Times

But some evidence is promising.

The New Yorker

Immunotherapy is promising.

The Guardian

The approach is promising.

The Guardian - Travel

Ebbsfleet is promising on paper.

The Guardian

At first this is promising.

The Guardian - Arts

They say the prospect is "promising".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is promising", ensure the context provides sufficient evidence or reasoning to support the claim. Avoid using it as a standalone statement without backing up why something is promising.

Common error

Avoid vaguely stating that something "is promising" without specifying what makes it promising. Instead of saying 'The new technology is promising', elaborate with 'The new technology is promising because it reduces energy consumption by 40%'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is promising" functions as a linking verb followed by a predicate adjective, describing the subject's potential or likelihood of success. Ludwig AI indicates it is correct and usable in written English, reflecting its role in expressing optimistic assessments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is promising" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective, expressing optimism and positive expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usability. It's commonly found in news, science, and business contexts, reflecting its neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, be sure to support the claim with specific details to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases include "shows potential" and "holds promise". By considering these factors, you can effectively and accurately use "is promising" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shows potential

Focuses on the inherent capabilities rather than a guaranteed positive outcome.

holds promise

More formal and emphasizes the inherent potential for a positive result.

looks hopeful

Highlights optimism, suggesting a positive outlook based on current signs.

has prospects

Indicates future opportunities and possibilities for growth or success.

is encouraging

Implies a sense of motivation and positivity, suggesting positive signs.

bodes well

A more idiomatic expression indicating a positive prediction for the future.

portends success

Formal and emphasizes future success as a likely outcome.

offers hope

Highlights the positive aspect of hope in a situation that might otherwise be negative.

indicates potential

A more neutral and analytical expression, pointing out the presence of potential.

has a bright future

Focuses on the overall positive future outlook of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "is promising" in a sentence?

Use "is promising" to describe something that shows potential for success or positive outcomes. For example, "Early research on this approach "is promising"".

What are some alternatives to "is promising"?

You can use alternatives such as "shows potential", "holds promise", or "looks hopeful" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "was promising" instead of "is promising"?

Yes, "was promising" is correct when referring to something that showed potential in the past but may not currently. For example, "The initial plan was promising, but it ultimately failed".

What is the difference between "is promising" and "seems promising"?

"Is promising" suggests a stronger degree of confidence based on evidence, while "seems promising" indicates a tentative assessment based on initial impressions.