potential for subversion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "potential for subversion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the capacity or likelihood of undermining authority, systems, or norms. Example: "The new policy has a potential for subversion, as it may encourage dissent among employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"There was so much potential for subversion.

The New York Times - Arts

Seeing a potential for subversion, Ms. Sikander appropriated the art form and infused it with contemporary subject matter.

The New York Times

" 'Communazis' "takes its title from the neologism coined after the 1939 Hitler-Stalin pact by a disgruntled faction of the emigre left and then adopted by the F.B.I. to stigmatize those refugees whose alleged potential for subversion matched that of America's official enemies during World War II.

The New York Times - Books

It begins with a brief and informal discussion of security issues, followed by a discussion of the more prominent internet security threats and solutions that may have relatively little to do with technology the most obvious being the potential for subversion of networks and other systems through social engineering.

TCP-IP Clearly Explained

Other study strengths include complete automation and minimisation of the potential for subversion of randomisation and observer bias in ascertainment of study outcomes.

British Journal of Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The second defendant, Tan Zuoren, a writer and also a prominent rights advocate, faces a potential five-year sentence for subversion and is to go on trial Wednesday.

The New York Times

Remember there is always a place for subversion.

The Guardian

The zeal for subversion was well meant but naïve.

The New Yorker

Then he received a suspended sentence for subversion.

The New York Times

She was given a 25-month sentence for "subversion" and freed after three years.

Independent

His wit acquired a sharper edge: celebrity became a vehicle for subversion.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "potential for subversion", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. For instance, distinguish between a system's inherent weakness and external threats.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the "potential for subversion" without providing sufficient evidence or analysis. Overuse can weaken the impact of your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potential for subversion" functions as a noun phrase, identifying the possibility or capacity for undermining established authority or norms. Ludwig provides examples in contexts ranging from art to security threats.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "potential for subversion" is grammatically correct and used to describe the possibility or capacity for undermining established authority or norms. According to Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media, as well as science-related contexts. While not overly common, it is found in reputable sources, and its usage is consistent with the phrase's meaning. When employing this phrase, it's advisable to provide evidence to support the claim of potential undermining, which underscores that it's suitable for analytical and reporting contexts. Be mindful of the specific meaning intended and choose synonyms carefully to avoid overstating the case.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

risk of undermining

Focuses on the danger or probability of something being weakened or compromised.

capacity for disruption

Highlights the ability to cause disorder or interrupt the normal course of events.

ability to destabilize

Emphasizes the power to make something unstable or unsteady.

likelihood of undermining

Indicates the chance or probability that something will be weakened.

tendency to subvert

Suggests an inclination or predisposition to undermine authority or established norms.

possibility of sabotage

Specifically refers to the chance of deliberate destruction or obstruction.

prospect of destabilization

Highlights the future outlook or expectation of something becoming unstable.

threat of undermining

Emphasizes the potential danger or harm associated with something being weakened.

scope for undermining

Highlights the extent or range of opportunities for something to be weakened.

vulnerability to disruption

Focuses on the susceptibility of something to being disturbed or interrupted.

FAQs

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

You can use "potential for subversion" to describe situations where something might be undermined. For example: "The new policy has a "potential for subversion", as it may encourage dissent among employees."

What are some synonyms for "potential for subversion"?

Alternatives include "risk of undermining", "capacity for disruption", or "ability to destabilize", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "potential for subversion" a formal or informal phrase?

"Potential for subversion" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. It may be less appropriate in very casual conversation.

What's the difference between "potential for subversion" and "risk of subversion"?

"Potential for subversion" suggests a possibility or capacity for something to be undermined, while "risk of subversion" implies a greater degree of probability or danger.