it has the potential to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has the potential to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the possibility or capability of something to achieve a certain outcome or effect. Example: "This new technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we communicate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It has the potential to be messy".

The Guardian

"It has the potential to bounce back".

The New York Times

And I think it has the potential to do that.

The New York Times - Sports

It has the potential to help transform our society.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has the potential to be a total car crash.

The Guardian - Film

"It has the potential to generate enormous leads".

The New York Times

"It has the potential to pull a team together.

The New York Times - Sports

"But it has the potential to be a counterproductive strategy.

The Guardian

It has the potential to be industry changing".

The Guardian - Film

But it has the potential to become very big indeed.

The Guardian - Tech

It has the potential to devastate small businesses".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context; using stronger verbs can make your writing more impactful. While "it has the potential to" is versatile, alternatives like "it could" or "it may" might be more appropriate depending on the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "it has the potential to" as a crutch in passive constructions. If possible, rephrase your sentences to emphasize active agents and specific actions. For instance, instead of "The program has the potential to improve outcomes", write "The program could improve outcomes" to eliminate unnecessary words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has the potential to" functions as an introductory element to express the possibility or capability of something achieving a certain outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It serves to preface a statement about future possibilities, suggesting that the subject possesses the necessary qualities to realize a specific result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it has the potential to" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express the possibility or capability of something leading to a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While direct and clear, it's important to ensure the phrase is not overused and to consider stronger verbs or more specific language where appropriate. Be mindful of avoiding passive voice constructions to enhance clarity and impact. Remember that while this phrase is commonly accepted, it is important to express the statement with precision and specificity in order to avoid ambiguity and maintain a professional tone. The phrase's widespread use and neutral register make it a valuable tool for expressing possibilities and potential outcomes in a variety of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is capable of

Replaces "has the potential" with a more direct statement of capability.

it is likely to

Indicates a high probability of something happening, focusing on likelihood rather than inherent potential.

it could possibly

Emphasizes possibility but with a slightly weaker degree of certainty.

it is poised to

Suggests readiness and imminent action, highlighting a prepared state for potential.

it is expected to

Focuses on anticipated outcomes rather than inherent capacity.

it promises to

Highlights an expectation of positive results or outcomes.

it is projected to

Uses a more analytical or forecasting-based perspective.

it is apt to

Indicates a natural tendency or inclination, differing slightly from potential.

it stands a chance of

Emphasizes the existence of an opportunity or possibility, with an element of uncertainty.

it bears the prospect of

A more formal way of indicating that something might happen or be the case in the future.

FAQs

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

Use "it has the potential to" to describe something's capacity for future development or positive change. For example, "This new technology "it has the potential to" revolutionize healthcare".

What are some alternatives to "it has the potential to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is capable of", "it could possibly", or "it is likely to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "potential to" or "potential for"?

While both "potential to" and "potential for" are grammatically correct, "potential to" is typically followed by a verb (e.g., "potential to grow"), while "potential for" is followed by a noun (e.g., "potential for growth").

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

"It has the potential to" suggests an inherent capacity or possibility, while "it is likely to" indicates a higher degree of probability or expectation based on current evidence.