latent possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "latent possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a potential or hidden capability that has not yet been realized or expressed. Example: "The research revealed a latent possibility for new treatments that could revolutionize patient care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Japan has pioneered a type of nuclear deterrence that relies not on any overt threat, but on the mere suggestion of a latent possibility.

The New York Times

The ambient quiet allows you to pick up tremors of deep dread, and Mr. Cronenberg's fastidious and elegant compositions hum with the latent possibility of chaos and destruction.

The New York Times

It is well known to comparatists that Russian literature was one of the major Western literatures and played a crucial role in the process of the formation of modern Japanese literature in the era of Meiji, it has conserved its latent possibility to appeal to the Japanese readership and influence Japanese writers of today.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He proves himself to be, along with everything else, a serious intellectual with a deep sense of the traditions, influences and latent possibilities of the modern musical vernacular.

The New York Times

Every film and every manifesto was an opportunity to examine the latent possibilities and harness the untapped power of cinema.

The New York Times

In Czechoslovakia before 1968, in West Germany and Hollywood in the 1970s and more recently in Taiwan, Iran and Uzbekistan, the metaphor signaled newness, iconoclasm, a casting off of tradition and a rediscovery of latent possibilities.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet with the abundance of technologies now available to smaller companies, or single-person operations, it's not just the big names who are able to reassess the latent possibilities in production methods.

The Guardian

We propose a re-imagination of the enclave and cloister morphologies as a flexible porous structure and focuses on areas adjacent to the downtown and Hamilton Canal District with latent possibilities to induce mixité and inclusion.

Yale University

Hans Leo Hassler was obviously fired by Lasso's lead in the sheer variety and latent possibilities of secular vocal style, and much of his best work was done in the dialogue form.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Three main traits characterized these schools: each school adopted an activity program; each school operated on the assumption that education was something that should not be imposed upon the child from the outside but should instead draw forth the latent possibilities from within the child; and each school believed in the democratic concept of individual worth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Without the artist, our culture cannot metabolize the latent possibilities inherent in the world around us.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "latent possibility" when you want to emphasize that a potential exists but is not currently active or apparent. This phrasing works well in contexts where you're discussing hidden or underdeveloped capabilities.

Common error

Avoid using "latent possibility" when a simpler term like "potential" or "opportunity" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "latent possibility" functions as a noun phrase, where "latent" modifies the noun "possibility". Ludwig examples confirm this usage in various contexts, describing unrealized or hidden potential.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "latent possibility" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a hidden or unrealized potential. While Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, it is a relatively rare expression, best suited for formal contexts such as academic writing, scientific reports, or news articles. Alternatives like "hidden potential" or "untapped potential" may be more appropriate in simpler or informal settings. Overall, it's important to use the phrase judiciously to maintain clarity and avoid unnecessary complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hidden potential

Emphasizes the concealed nature of the potential.

dormant potential

Highlights the inactivity or suspended state of the potential.

untapped potential

Focuses on the potential being unused or unexploited.

unrealized potential

Stresses that the potential has not yet been brought into being.

inherent capacity

Highlights the inborn or intrinsic nature of the ability.

potentiality

A more formal term for potential.

possible eventuality

Shifts the focus to a potential outcome or consequence.

concealed prospect

Highlights something that is hidden and may occur in the future.

underlying capability

Focuses on something that exists as a foundation and is yet to be developed.

unexpressed capability

Emphasizes the ability not being communicated or manifested.

FAQs

How can I use "latent possibility" in a sentence?

You can use "latent possibility" to describe a potential that exists but is not yet realized. For example: "The project revealed a "latent possibility" for significant cost savings."

What are some alternatives to "latent possibility"?

Alternatives include "hidden potential", "dormant potential", or "untapped potential", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "latent possibility" and "potential"?

"Latent possibility" suggests a potential that is currently hidden or not obvious, whereas "potential" is a more general term for something that is capable of developing or happening.

Is "latent possibility" a formal or informal expression?

"Latent possibility" is generally considered a more formal expression, suitable for academic, professional, or technical writing. Simpler terms like "potential" are better suited for informal contexts.