potency

USAGE SUMMARY

Potency is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun and can be used to refer to something's power or potential, usually in a positive sense. For example, "The upcoming election has the potency to shape the future of our country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seemed to us that, nationally, its potency was weakening, its bright colours fading, while for us even 30 years on, it was somehow lodged within our DNA as something unresolved and painful.

The Guardian

"The vaccine was also capable of provoking an immune response, although the overall potency of this response was a tad disappointing.

The Guardian

Phoenix's character finds he only enjoys life (and regains his sexual potency) once he rejects many of his own teachings and embarks on morally suspect – if well-intentioned – mission.

The Guardian - Film

These are intensely technologised sites, places where the shape of action and possibility are profoundly conditioned by what I call the "dark weather" of the network – that layer of information that swirls around the physical environment, intangible to the unaided human sensorium but possessing terrific potency.

The Guardian

But party insiders also admit that the potency of the Tory message about the SNP threat stemmed from pre-existing fears about Labour on the economy, an issue that Miliband did not address.

The Guardian

A benzodiazepine, it is known for its potency in alleviating anxiety; at that point Hill believed he had just one hour to live.

The Guardian

Even so, his name still had enough potency for the prospect of debating with him to carry a substantial emotional charge.

The Guardian

Education has to be a part of that inquest, because we signally failed to use the potency of education policy – its focus on the future, its capacity to craft a different society, its centrality to wealth creation and work – to offer a compelling enough vision of a Labour Britain.

The Guardian

'Filmmaking is a matter of trying to find performances that you believe in and creating images that have emotional potency.

The Guardian - Film

They have the advantage of being super-clean, as well as boosting the potency of diesel fuel.

The Economist

Yet, as Heather Grabbe of the Open Society think-tank in Brussels points out, good poll numbers and impressive showings in by-elections have been enough to give its views potency, strengthening the hands of hardline Eurosceptics in the Conservative Party.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "potency" when you want to emphasize the inherent strength or effectiveness of something, especially in contexts where the ability to produce a significant effect is important. For example, 'the potency of the drug' or 'the potency of his arguments'.

Common error

Avoid using "potency" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler words like "strength" or "power" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal vocabulary can make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "potency" is that of a noun, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts. For example, "the potency of the Tory message" or "the potency of education policy".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "potency" is a noun used to describe the strength, effectiveness, or power of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and sees frequent use in news, scientific, and business contexts. While versatile, it suits more formal settings and evaluative discussions best, where emphasis on the inherent capacity to produce effects is key. For alternative expressions, consider "effectiveness", "strength", or "power" depending on the specific context. Ludwig's examples reveal its role in analytical and descriptive writing across diverse domains, but also suggest that its formality be considered when selecting vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

effectiveness

Focuses on the capability of producing a desired result or effect.

strength

Emphasizes the physical or inherent power of something.

power

Highlights the ability to control or influence.

potential

Indicates the capacity for future development or success.

efficacy

Stresses the ability to produce a desired or intended result.

capability

Refers to the quality of being able to do something.

capacity

Highlights the maximum amount that something can contain or produce.

effectiveness of action

Specifies the active capability to produce a desired result.

degree of strength

Quantifies the level of power or force.

level of impact

Measures the effect or influence of something.

FAQs

How can I use "potency" in a sentence?

You can use "potency" to describe the strength or effectiveness of something. For example, "The speaker emphasized the potency of unity" or "Scientists are studying the drug's potency in fighting the disease."

What are some synonyms for "potency"?

Synonyms for "potency" include "effectiveness", "strength", "power", and "potential". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the potency is high"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. Alternatively, you could say "the "strength" is high", or "it has a high level of "efficacy"".

What's the difference between "potency" and "efficacy"?

"Potency" generally refers to the strength or ability to produce an effect, while "efficacy" refers specifically to the ability to produce a desired result or outcome. "Efficacy" implies a proven ability to achieve a specific goal.