potential for doing

USAGE SUMMARY

"potential for doing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to the potential a person or thing has to do something, e.g., "This project has a lot of potential for doing good in the community".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Its potential for doing good and raising consciousness is great.

The New York Times - Arts

"The whole thing is fraught with the potential for doing things wrong," Mr. Cameron says.

The New York Times

Subsurface permeable reactive barriers (PRB) have been used to successfully treat acidic mine drainage in Canada and offer great potential for doing the same in the United Kingdom.

Water Research

The message taught is not that there exists an eternal clash between good and evil but, rather, that each individual needs to know his potential for doing evil.

The New Yorker

"Her focus was on combating bootleg cigarettes, and it put her into regular contact with people who had the potential for doing violence.

The New York Times

Alanya Green New York, May 21 , 2008• To the Editor: Thomas L. Friedman is rightly concerned about the vast gap between the current state of affairs in the United States and its potential for doing much better.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

He pointed out that, whatever the potential fine for doing so is, he can pay it.

The New Yorker

Many can be developed, with volunteering and community work being just two potential avenues for doing so.

The Guardian

Humanitarian aid has been blocked, and Sudanese journalists are banned from covering the war, facing potential imprisonment for doing so.

The New York Times - Magazine

The incident highlights Trump's penchant for off-the-cuff tweeting — and the potential consequences for doing so now that he holds the nation's highest office.

The Washington Post

The potential for miniaturization does not stop there.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "potential for doing" to emphasize the possibility of future action or positive impact, especially when discussing plans, projects, or capabilities. For example, "This technology has significant "potential for doing" good in healthcare".

Common error

Avoid overstating the certainty of outcomes when using "potential for doing". This phrase indicates possibility, not guaranteed results. For example, avoid saying "The "potential for doing" X is guaranteed", instead, use language that reflects the uncertain nature of potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potential for doing" functions as a noun phrase, specifically describing a capacity or possibility for future action or effect. Ludwig indicates its correct usage in written English, highlighting its role in expressing the inherent possibility of achieving a particular outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "potential for doing" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to highlight the possibility of future action or positive impact. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for use across various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it finds relevance in news, scientific, and academic domains. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize the possibility of future action or positive impact, keeping in mind that it indicates possibility rather than guaranteed outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to perform

Stresses the competence to carry out a task.

capacity for action

Focuses on the inherent ability to take action.

scope for achievement

Emphasizes the range of possible accomplishments.

opportunity to act

Highlights a favorable circumstance for taking action.

option to proceed

Emphasizes the choice to move forward with an action.

room for manoeuvre

Suggests flexibility and available options for action.

chance to engage

Highlights the opportunity to participate or get involved.

prospects for execution

Highlights the feasibility and outlook for carrying something out.

likelihood of realization

Focuses on the probability of something becoming a reality.

feasibility of implementation

Concerns the practical possibility of putting a plan into effect.

FAQs

How can I use "potential for doing" in a sentence?

You can use "potential for doing" to highlight the possibility of achieving a particular outcome or impact. For example, "This initiative has great "potential for doing" positive change in the community".

What are some alternatives to "potential for doing"?

Consider using phrases like "capacity for action", "scope for achievement", or "opportunity to act" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "potential of doing" instead of "potential for doing"?

While "potential of doing" might be understood, "potential for doing" is the more grammatically standard and widely accepted phrasing.

What is the difference between "potential for doing" and "ability to do"?

"Potential for doing" refers to the inherent possibility or unrealized capacity, whereas "ability to do" implies a demonstrated or existing capability.