likely potential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely potential" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to express a possibility or likelihood of something having potential, but it is generally better to choose clearer expressions. Example: "The project shows likely potential for success, but further analysis is needed."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Likely potential buyers include Bristol-Myers Squibb, NovaRoche Holdingolding and Eli Lilly & Company, analysts said.

The New York Times

Dean, regarded by fellow-Democrats as a savvy, reliable liberal, seems a likely potential successor and could probably get the nomination.

The New Yorker

And executives from the most likely potential buyer have — without naming names — indicated they could be in the market.

The New York Times

Many planetary scientists consider Europa the most likely potential home of extraterrestrial life inside our solar system.

The New York Times

"These activities have a very likely potential for ingestion through the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and skin," said Rudy Preston of the opposition group True Snow.

The New York Times

From embracing the free market and internet democracy to fighting climate change, Saif has been saying almost everything Libya's critics have wanted to hear, making himself what George Joffe, of Cambridge University, calls "the most likely potential leader".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

But his two likeliest potential Democratic rivals Nina Ahmad and Lindy Li both live outside the district.

Vice

"It can become very messy very very quickly, and spread the conflict across the While," LamranIranldoes.

Vice

Failures of transmission are likely if the potentials stem from the same source.

Plosone

Tricaine inhibits muscle action potentials, likely by blocking voltage-gated Na+ channels (Hedrick and Winmill, 2003).

Genesis

This is also likely where potential drone-based delivery services would also sit, although it looks like it may take years before this idea flies (literally and figuratively).

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While understandable, consider using just "likely" or "potential" instead of "likely potential" to avoid redundancy and improve clarity. For example, instead of "the likely potential outcome", try "the likely outcome" or "the potential outcome."

Common error

Avoid using "likely potential" in highly formal or academic writing where conciseness is valued. Opt for a single, stronger word like "probable", "plausible", or "promising" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely potential" functions as a modifier, describing a noun with an emphasis on a blend of probability and inherent capacity. It suggests that something not only has a possibility of happening or developing, but that this possibility is also quite probable. Ludwig identifies many instances of its usage in credible sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "likely potential" combines the concepts of probability and possibility. While grammatically correct, it's often considered somewhat redundant, and Ludwig AI analysis suggests that it might be more concise to use just "likely" or "potential" depending on the intended meaning. While acceptable, "likely potential" appears in various contexts, from science to news media. When aiming for precision in formal writing, consider stronger single-word alternatives like "promising" or "plausible". Despite the presence of several alternatives, authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate that "likely potential" is commonly used and understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probable possibility

Replaces "likely" with "probable" and "potential" with "possibility", both synonyms, resulting in a similar but slightly different emphasis.

high probability possibility

Adds "high probability" for a more descriptive and emphasized chance of occurring.

distinct possibility

Emphasizes the clear and definite nature of the possibility.

plausible prospect

Uses "plausible" to indicate believability and "prospect" to suggest a future outlook.

realistic chance

Replaces "potential" with "chance" and "likely" with "realistic", highlighting a grounded expectation.

credible opportunity

Substitutes "likely" with "credible" and "potential" with "opportunity", focusing on the believability of a favorable circumstance.

promising outlook

Implies a favorable future expectation.

good possibility

A simpler and more direct alternative, replacing "likely" with "good".

foreseeable prospect

Indicates something that can be anticipated or predicted.

viable option

Highlights the practicality and feasibility of a choice.

FAQs

Is "likely potential" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "likely potential" is grammatically correct, but it's often considered redundant. Both words suggest a possibility, so using them together can be seen as unnecessary. However, Ludwig AI identifies many instances of its usage in credible sources.

What does "likely potential" mean?

The phrase "likely potential" suggests that something has a good chance of developing into something promising or successful. It combines the idea of a high probability ("likely") with the inherent possibility of growth or achievement ("potential").

When is it appropriate to use "likely potential"?

While not always the most concise choice, "likely potential" can be used when you want to emphasize both the probability and the inherent capacity for something to develop positively. However, consider if using just "likely" or "potential" would suffice.

What are some alternatives to "likely potential"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "promising", "plausible", "realistic chance", or "credible opportunity". The best choice will depend on the specific meaning you want to convey.