it would potentially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would potentially" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing possibilities or hypothetical situations where there is uncertainty about an outcome. Example: "If we invest in this new technology, it would potentially lead to significant cost savings in the long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Put simply," adds McDonough, "it would potentially make it impossible to secure international cooperation for additional sanctions, while putting at risk the existing multilateral sanctions regime".

Huffington Post

There are a number of small Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within its range, and it would potentially benefit from the implementation of the 2004 Australian National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks.

Wikipedia

"This sale would render the already difficult task of getting Russia to comply with its ceasefire commitments nearly impossible, and it would potentially increase the militarization of, and instability in, the Black Sea region," Ambassador Bass's cable noted.

The New York Times

Genesco has argued that a $4 million loss in its second quarter was not a material event, meaning that it would potentially be grounds to dissolve the deal.

The New York Times

It would potentially be a very harsh one.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It would potentially be a defining moment of the campaign.

The Guardian

Crucially, it would potentially enable a greater range of drugs to be produced.

The Guardian

Had the Republicans succeeded, it would potentially have pushed a final vote on the health care bill to Christmas Day.

The New York Times

It would potentially offer only one significant benefit: according to Bruner, Abigail's odds of a shunt would drop from 50percentto10to15percentercent.

The New York Times - Magazine

"If something goes badly wrong with the banks – like a run – it would potentially bring down Renzi's government because [it has] been saying the banks are solid".

The Guardian - Business

The families largely opposed that move, because their lawyers feared it would potentially reduce the monetary judgment against Pan Am for the loss of their loved ones.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it would potentially" when you want to express a possible future outcome without stating it as a certainty. This softens the statement, making it less assertive.

Common error

Avoid using "potentially" too frequently in your writing, as it can weaken your statements and make your arguments seem less confident. Try to use more direct language when the possibility is highly probable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would potentially" functions as a modal phrase, expressing possibility or a hypothetical outcome. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is used to soften statements and avoid definitive predictions. The word "potentially" modifies the modal verb "would", adding a layer of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it would potentially" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a possible future outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, it softens statements and avoids definitive predictions. While alternatives like "it could possibly" or "it may potentially" exist, "it would potentially" is widely accepted across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. Remember to avoid overusing "potentially" to maintain clarity and strength in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could possibly

Replaces "would" with "could" suggesting a slightly lesser degree of certainty.

it may potentially

Substitutes "would" with "may" indicating possibility.

it might possibly

Uses "might" instead of "would", implying a weaker likelihood.

it is potentially able to

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the ability or capability aspect.

it has the potential to

Focuses on the inherent potential or capacity for something to happen.

it is likely to

Shifts from potential to a statement of likelihood, suggesting a higher probability.

it is expected to

Implies a degree of anticipation or prediction based on current knowledge.

it is apt to

Expresses a natural tendency or inclination.

it is liable to

Suggests a risk or negative consequence.

it is poised to

Indicates readiness or preparation for a specific outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it would potentially" in a sentence?

Use "it would potentially" to express a possible or hypothetical outcome, such as: "If we invest in renewable energy, "it would potentially" reduce our carbon footprint."

What are some alternatives to "it would potentially"?

You can use alternatives like "it could possibly", "it may potentially", or "it is likely to" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "it would potentially"?

While some argue that "potentially" implies "would", the phrase is commonly used to soften a statement and indicate a possibility rather than a certainty. The level of redundancy is low and generally accepted.

What is the difference between "it would potentially" and "it will definitely"?

"It would potentially" indicates a possibility or likelihood, while "it will definitely" expresses certainty. Use "it would potentially" when you're unsure of the outcome and "it will definitely" when the outcome is guaranteed.