it is potential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is potential" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly as it lacks a clear noun to follow "potential." Example: "The project has potential, but it is potential that we need to explore further."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The definition of motion as the actuality of a potentiality of the entity undergoing motion in so far as it is potential requires that in each case the passive potentiality for the change is present in the changing object.

SEP

It is not actual speech; it is potential speech.

The New York Times - Books

The irate commentator stormed, "I think it is potential doom for the radio industry".

The New York Times - Magazine

Alas, that it is potential weakness, too.Trials and tribulationsThe challenges for Mr Anwar and his alliance will now multiply.

The Economist

With further optimization of the circuits, it is potential to achieve better transmission performance.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It is potential disinfectant and it kills entire bacteria as well as germicide.

Applied Water Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Upside is not optimism; it's potential.

The New Yorker

This wine did not merely represent potential; it was potential realized.

The New York Times - Food

WHEN Sue and David Black first laid eyes on their home 11 years ago, it was potential they saw, not charm.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, he must have recognised that it was potential ticket sales, not talent, that separated him from DiCaprio.

The Guardian - Film

Charlie Rose: And it's potential is just beginning.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of saying "it is potential", clarify what "it" is and specify its potential. For example, instead of "the idea is potential", say "the idea has potential for growth".

Common error

Avoid using "it is potential" without a noun to describe what the potential refers to. This often leads to grammatically incorrect and unclear sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is potential" functions as a subject complement, attempting to ascribe a quality to the subject "it". However, according to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically incorrect in standard English, as "potential" typically needs to modify a noun or function as a noun itself.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is potential" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. According to Ludwig AI, using "potential" correctly involves either modifying a noun (e.g., "a potential solution") or using "potential" as a noun itself (e.g., "it has potential"). Although examples exist in both scientific and news contexts, it's best to avoid this construction. Instead, consider more precise and grammatically sound alternatives like "it is possible" or "it has potential" for clearer communication. Focus on clarifying the subject and specifying its potential for better writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is possible

Replaces 'potential' with 'possible' emphasizing feasibility rather than inherent capacity.

it has potential

Shifts the focus to the subject possessing the 'potential' as a quality or characteristic.

it could be possible

Adds a degree of uncertainty using 'could', making the statement less assertive.

it is conceivable

Emphasizes the imaginability or thinkability of something.

it is within the realm of possibility

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing that something is possible.

it is a prospect

Frames the idea as a future possibility or opportunity.

it presents possibilities

Highlights that the subject opens up avenues or options.

it is a likely outcome

Suggests a higher probability of occurrence than simply being 'potential'.

it is a promising development

Focuses on the positive and favorable aspects of a potential outcome.

it is a capability

Highlights the inherent ability or capacity for something to happen or be achieved.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the word "potential" in a sentence?

Use "potential" as a noun (e.g. "this project has great potential") or as an adjective before a noun (e.g. "this is a potential solution"). Avoid phrases like "it is potential".

What are some alternatives to "it is potential"?

Instead of "it is potential", consider using alternatives such as "it is possible", "it has potential", or "it could be possible" depending on the intended meaning.

Is "it is potential" grammatically correct?

No, "it is potential" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to rephrase the sentence to use "potential" correctly, such as "it has potential".

What's the difference between "it is potential" and "it is possible"?

"It is possible" indicates something can happen or is feasible. "It is potential" is not standard English; the correct usage would typically be something like "it has potential", indicating that something possesses the capacity to develop or succeed.