potent possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "potent possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or significant potential for something to happen or be realized. Example: "The research presented a potent possibility for breakthroughs in renewable energy technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

New research has recently opened up a second potent possibility: a genetically modified mosquito could actually transmit genes into the mosquito population that would confer resistance to a pathogen or parasite.

The Guardian

What I overlooked was that the date was in the middle of Mercury retrograde, supposedly the time of year when one should avoid signing contracts or making life-altering decisions because of the potent possibility of reversal.

The New York Times

"Medicare for all," the healthcare holy grail many progressives have dreamed of for decades, continues to look like both an utter fantasy and a potent possibility.

Vice

Although positive selection of a complex RNA metabolism of chloroplasts remains a potent possibility for explaining its having come about, we think that there is at least one powerful alternative explanation.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Film might be dying, but Dean's art work was buoyant, a joyful, eleven-minute primer on the medium's still potent possibilities.

The New Yorker

The swap became a media event of potent possibilities: the communist POWs stripped off their hated capitalist prison uniforms and marched off singing party-approved songs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Dodge sensed more potent possibilities downtown and set herself up in a luxurious apartment at 23 Fifth Avenue, just north of Washington Square and the Hotel Brevoort, a bohemian gathering place for late-night discussions, celebrations of literary and painterly successes and trysts.

The New York Times - Arts

Shepherd invents just enough to tie all the open questions, undeniable facts, and potent possibilities together in a wholly believable and chilling story of love, deceit, heartbreak, revenge, and loss.

Huffington Post

For every child, this ancient world is brand new and potent with possibility.

The Guardian

But for each new child, that universe and culture are brand new: all is dazzling, terrifying, potent with possibility.

The Guardian - Books

"We inhabit, as Richard Feynman called, a world of 'jiggling atoms.' We live in a multiverse that is potent with possibilities.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "potent possibility" to convey that a particular outcome or development has a strong chance of materializing, especially when emphasizing the potential impact or significance.

Common error

Avoid using "potent possibility" when the likelihood is purely speculative or lacks substantial supporting evidence, as it implies a higher degree of probability than may be warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potent possibility" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "potent" modifies the noun "possibility". Ludwig confirms its acceptability, reinforcing its grammatical function as a descriptor of a significant potential.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "potent possibility" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, as affirmed by Ludwig. It signifies a strong and impactful potential outcome. While relatively rare in usage, it effectively conveys a higher degree of likelihood and consequence than a simple "possibility". Usage is most common in news and media, and scientific contexts. When using "potent possibility", it is important to ensure the context supports the implication of a strong, realistic chance of occurrence and is not simply speculative. Alternatives such as "strong likelihood" or "significant potential" can be used to express similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong likelihood

Replaces "possibility" with "likelihood", suggesting a higher degree of certainty.

significant potential

Emphasizes the degree of potential rather than the possibility itself.

powerful prospect

Substitutes "possibility" with "prospect", highlighting the anticipation of a future event.

realistic chance

Indicates that the possibility is grounded in reality and has a good chance of occurring.

distinct likelihood

Highlights the clearness and certainty of the possibility.

considerable prospect

Emphasizes the degree of consideration and anticipation for a future event.

substantial chance

Highlights that the chance is noteworthy and of considerable importance.

serious potential

Indicates that the potential is noteworthy and of considerable importance.

credible likelihood

Highlights that the possibility is considered as believable and trustworthy.

plausible prospect

Suggests that the possibility is believable and reasonable.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "potent possibility" in a sentence?

Use "potent possibility" to highlight a scenario with considerable potential and impact. For example, "The discovery presents a "potent possibility" for advancements in medical treatments".

What phrases are similar to "potent possibility"?

Alternatives include "strong likelihood", "significant potential", or "powerful prospect". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "potent possibility" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "potent possibility" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific, academic, and professional contexts where you need to express a significant potential outcome.

What makes "potent possibility" different from a simple "possibility"?

"Potent possibility" emphasizes the strength and impact of the possibility, suggesting it is more likely and consequential than a general "possibility".