more than potential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more than potential" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something exceeds mere possibilities or capabilities, often in a context of talent, ability, or opportunity. Example: "Her performance in the competition showed that she is more than potential; she is a true contender for the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Beijing estimates the cost at $34 billion, far more than potential revenue from the Olympics alone could justify.

The New York Times

One begins to realise that these drawings are, as Cotter says, more than potential brainstorms for large-scale works; they are drawings for drawing's sake.

The Guardian

Both, as stereotypes have it, did marry earlier, value family life, pick jobs for security more than potential for greater reward.

The New York Times

Within hours of its debut on both the New York and Toronto stock exchanges, Tim Hortons' stock had rocketed upwards by 41%, although it later fell back a little.There was more than potential profit fuelling the Canadian frenzy.

The Economist

These policies deter those who are willing to migrate legally more than potential illegal migrants.

IZA Journal of Migration

Surprisingly, I find that stricter immigration policies deter potential legal migrants much more than potential illegal migrants.

IZA Journal of Migration

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The good thing about being a human is that we have more than one potential possible.

Huffington Post

But this might be cultural anthropology with more snags than potential.

The New York Times

Free markets and favors to oil-rich countries are more important than potential safety.

The New York Times

Driving the craze, however, is something less tangible and more potent than potential profit or equity: dreams.

The New York Times

Initially, the differences appeared to be more conspicuous than potential commonalities.

BMC Nursing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more than potential" to highlight a situation where something has surpassed initial expectations or possibilities, demonstrating concrete achievements or capabilities. This emphasizes tangible results over hypothetical outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "more than potential" when only discussing future possibilities or hypothetical scenarios. Ensure there's demonstrable progress or achievement to justify the comparison. Use "promising" or "with potential" when achievements are only in the future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than potential" functions as a comparative phrase, typically used to emphasize that something has surpassed its initial prospects or capabilities. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more than potential" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies exceeding initial expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, its applicability spans across varied contexts, including news, science, and business, with a neutral register. To ensure correct usage, reserve it for situations where tangible progress or achievement validates the surpassing of mere possibilities. When suggesting something is only showing initial promise, it's preferable to use a more appropriate expression such as "promising" or "with potential".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beyond mere potential

Emphasizes exceeding the limits of potential and demonstrating greater capabilities.

exceeding expectations

Focuses on surpassing anticipated outcomes or performance levels.

demonstrating greater ability

Highlights the visible display of enhanced skills and capabilities.

showing unexpected promise

Suggests a surprising display of future success and talent.

proving to be more than just a possibility

Emphasizes the transformation from a simple chance to a concrete reality.

realizing significant capabilities

Focuses on the actualization of noteworthy talents and capacities.

surpassing initial capabilities

Indicates a development beyond the original skill set or competencies.

outperforming projected abilities

Highlights a level of performance that exceeds pre-established projections.

displaying unexpected talent

Indicates the appearance of skill that was not previously recognized or expected.

showing more than imagined capabilities

Suggests that the realized abilities go beyond what was previously believed to be possible.

FAQs

How can I use "more than potential" in a sentence?

Use "more than potential" to describe situations where something has exceeded initial expectations, such as "The project's success was "more than potential"; it yielded significant profits ahead of schedule".

What are some alternatives to "more than potential"?

Alternatives to "more than potential" include "exceeding expectations", "demonstrating greater ability", or "surpassing initial capabilities". Choose the alternative that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "more than potential"?

Yes, "more than potential" is grammatically correct. It's used to indicate that something has developed beyond its initial promise and achieved tangible results. However, it's important to use the phrase in contexts where there's evidence of achievement, not just future possibility.

What is the difference between "with potential" and "more than potential"?

"With potential" describes something that shows promise for the future, while ""more than potential"" describes something that has already exceeded initial expectations or demonstrated significant capabilities. "With potential" looks forward, while ""more than potential"" looks back at accomplishments.