it is potentially the case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is potentially the case" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing possibilities or hypothetical situations where something may or may not be true. Example: "In this study, it is potentially the case that the new treatment could lead to better patient outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is potentially the case that some of the cardiovascular risk associated with chronic NSAID use may be ameliorated by steady donation of NO in the vasculature.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's potentially the case that you'd see a larger volume of oil because in effect you're puncturing two holes rather than one hole" in the formation, he said.

Huffington Post

"This is potentially the biggest case in the British Jewish community's modern history," said Stephen Pollard, editor of the Jewish Chronicle newspaper here.

The New York Times

In severe cases it is potentially fatal.

The Guardian

The first question cannot be addressed by using only 26 selected cases, but it is potentially answerable.

Annals of Surgical Oncology

Although further investigation of the intensity of c-kit staining in malignant cases is required, it is potentially a predictive marker.

Surgical Case Reports

*A gay rights case from Texas that has received little attention but is potentially the most important such case since the 1980's.

The New York Times

For the purposes of this study, self-harm was defined as 'a deliberate non-fatal act whether physical, drug dosage or poisoning, carried out in the knowledge that it was potentially harmful and in the case of drug overdose that the amount taken was excessive'.

BMJ Open

As in the previous study, self-harm was defined as "a deliberate non-fatal act whether physical, drug over-dosage or poisoning, done in the knowledge that it was potentially harmful and in the case of drug overdose that the amount taken was excessive".

BMJ Open

Mr. Morgan said today that it was "potentially a death penalty case".

The New York Times

A previous observational study suggested this is not the case but it was potentially flawed by selection and recall bias and so might not be reliable.

British Medical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is potentially the case" to introduce a possibility or a hypothetical situation, especially when you want to maintain a degree of formality and academic tone. This phrase is appropriate when discussing research findings, legal arguments, or speculative analyses.

Common error

Avoid using "it is potentially the case" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "it could be" or "maybe" are more suitable for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is potentially the case" functions as an introductory expression to present a possibility or a hypothetical situation. It softens a statement, indicating uncertainty or speculation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is potentially the case" serves as a cautious introductory phrase to suggest possibilities or hypothetical situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in science and news media. While authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian employ this phrase, remember that simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal settings. When using it, aim to introduce a nuanced perspective rather than making a definitive claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is possibly the situation

Replaces "potentially" with "possibly", slightly reducing the emphasis on the degree of possibility.

it could be the situation

Uses "could be" to express a possibility, offering a more concise alternative.

it might be the situation

Employs "might be" to indicate a weaker degree of possibility compared to "potentially".

it is conceivable that

Replaces the entire phrase with "it is conceivable that", suggesting something is imaginable or believable.

it is a possibility that

States the idea as a "possibility", shifting the focus to the existence of a chance.

the situation may be

Inverts the sentence structure and uses "may be" to express a potential state.

it is hypothetically the situation

Replaces "potentially" with "hypothetically", emphasizing a theoretical scenario.

it is a plausible scenario

Suggests the situation is believable or likely based on current knowledge.

the circumstances may indicate

Focuses on the circumstances as hints of a potential situation, implying a connection without stating it directly.

there's a chance that

Introduces the idea as a simple chance or opportunity, reducing the formality.

FAQs

How can I use "it is potentially the case" in a sentence?

You can use "it is potentially the case" to introduce a possibility or hypothetical scenario. For example, "It is potentially the case that the new policy will improve efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "it is potentially the case"?

Alternatives include "it could be", "it might be", or "it is possible", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

Is "it is potentially the case" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "it is potentially the case" can sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "maybe" or "it's possible".

What's the difference between "it is potentially the case" and "it is possibly the case"?

The difference is subtle. "Potentially" suggests something has the capacity to become a reality, while "possibly" simply indicates that something might happen. Both are interchangeable, but "potentially" hints at a slightly stronger likelihood than "it is possibly the case".