it contains a potential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it contains a potential" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that has the capability or possibility for future development or success. Example: "The new software update is promising because it contains a potential for improved performance and user satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Although this reasoning is fundamentally correct, in our opinion, it contains a potential risk of excessive adaptationism, potentially leading to the suggestion of complex adaptations that are unlikely to evolve among cancerous cells.

Evolutionary Applications

It contains a potential self-splicing intron element at its terminus.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Government agencies have not approved it because it contains a potential human allergen.

Forbes

Liberals who are dreading the scandal-mania that is taking hold should note that it contains a potential upside: It could make a Grand Bargain that includes cuts to Medicare and Social Security benefits even less likely than it already is.

Huffington Post

The function of Ncrna00085 is unknown; while it contains a potential open reading frame it is not clear if it is translated in vivo.

Plosone

A notable feature of the N-terminus of Ets-1 is that while it does not contain a conventional consensus sequence for binding to the DRS of ERK2 it contains a potential ΦA-X-ΦB motif.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It contains an entropic potential determined by the varying extension of the eliminated channel direction, and a correction to the diffusion constant that introduces a space dependent diffusion.

Biosystems

Most of the important sequences of the film have been filmed with those 'magnetic rolls.' This leaves one question: what will become of the object you are projecting if it contains a narration with potential spirits?" .

Vice

Carvajal's near miss contains a potential lesson for Molina, the general indicted alongside Reverol this week.

Vice

Knowing that every time we share contains a potential and unexpected consequences, our generation has created the perfect algorithmic surveillance system," they add.

Vice

However, graptolitic argillite resource in Estonia contains a potential 2.1 billion tonnes of oil.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "it contains a potential". In more formal settings, this phrase offers a balanced tone, suggesting possibility without overstating certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "it contains a potential" as a standalone statement without providing supporting details or evidence. Always clarify what the potential refers to and, if possible, provide context or examples to substantiate the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it contains a potential" functions primarily as a descriptive statement, characterizing a subject by indicating that it possesses a certain capability or possibility. Ludwig confirms this usage, illustrating how it is employed to highlight inherent qualities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it contains a potential" serves as a descriptive statement, highlighting the inherent capacity of something for future development or specific outcomes. According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and is frequently used across diverse fields like science, news, and media. When employing this phrase, be sure to specify what that potential refers to and contextualize its implications. While the phrase effectively conveys possibilities, consider the audience and the nature of the message to ensure it aligns with the desired tone and degree of formality. Avoid generic usage and provide evidence. Using alternatives like "it has a possibility" or "it presents a chance" can offer subtle differences in emphasis. Ludwig examples shows its suitability across various analytical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has a possibility

Replaces 'potential' with 'possibility', focusing on the existence of a chance.

it offers a likelihood

Substitutes 'contains' with 'offers' and 'potential' with 'likelihood', highlighting the prospect of something occurring.

it presents a chance

Uses 'presents' to convey the availability of an opportunity, instead of an inherent quality.

it includes a prospect

Replaces 'potential' with 'prospect', suggesting a future-oriented possibility.

it embodies a latent capacity

Emphasizes the hidden or undeveloped nature of the capability.

it holds a promise

Focuses on the expectation of a positive outcome.

it features an inherent aptitude

Highlights a natural or built-in ability.

it possesses a hidden strength

Emphasizes the concealed nature of the capability and its impact.

it suggests an underlying capacity

Implies an unexpressed or not-yet-realized capability.

it reveals a budding talent

Focuses on the early stages of development of a capability.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it contains a potential" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it possesses the capacity", "it exhibits the prospect of", or "it holds the promise of". These alternatives (/s/possesses+the+capacity, /s/exhibits+the+prospect+of, /s/holds+the+promise+of) lend a more elevated and professional feel.

What's the difference between "it contains a potential" and "it has a potential"?

While both phrases are similar, "it contains a potential" suggests the potential is an inherent part of the subject. "It has a potential" is a more general statement about possessing potential, without necessarily implying it is an integral aspect.

When is it best to use the phrase "it contains a potential"?

This phrase is most suitable when describing something that inherently possesses the capability for a certain outcome or development. It's often used in scientific, technical, or analytical contexts where assessing capabilities is important.

What are some synonyms for "potential" when using the phrase "it contains a potential"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "potential" with synonyms like "possibility", "capacity", "prospect", or "likelihood". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.