potential outcomes

USAGE SUMMARY

"potential outcomes" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to any possible results of an action, situation or event. For example, "We should consider the potential outcomes of introducing a new policy before deciding whether to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The potential outcomes are terrible.

The Economist

There are several potential outcomes.

The New York Times

The potential outcomes get wider over time.

The New York Times

So there is an array of potential outcomes and outlooks.

The Guardian - Opinion

We weigh the potential outcomes and choose the best reward-risk ratio.

The New York Times

That would require MMI first to post a €100m (£83m) bond to cover potential outcomes.

The Guardian - Tech

He listed sexual assault, job loss, suicide, and lost places in homeless shelters as potential outcomes.

The New Yorker

In such a society, Boehm writes, there are three potential outcomes.

The New Yorker

"The losses in fixed income this quarter were within the range of potential outcomes," he added.

The New York Times

We know there are different potential outcomes if either party decided to terminate".

The Guardian - Business

You have to work out potential outcomes, and you have to be responsible with that".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific research, clearly outlining "potential outcomes" helps define the scope of the investigation and set expectations for various experimental results.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all "potential outcomes" are equally likely. Clearly differentiate between what could happen and what is most probable to avoid misleading interpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potential outcomes" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies the range of possible results or consequences that may arise from a particular action, situation, or decision. Ludwig AI confirms this through its numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "potential outcomes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe possible results or consequences. Ludwig AI confirms that it's widely applicable across diverse contexts. It's especially prevalent in news, science, and formal business settings, denoting possible results arising from a certain action. When using "potential outcomes", remember to consider all possibilities without assuming equal probability, and choose alternatives like "possible results", "likely consequences", or "anticipated effects" to fine-tune your message. This phrase is suitable for formal writing and analytical discussions, promoting a thorough evaluation of various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possible results

Focuses on the end results that are merely possible, shifting from a broader range of outcomes to more specific results.

likely consequences

Highlights the consequences that are most probable, implying a cause-and-effect relationship more strongly than "potential outcomes".

anticipated effects

Emphasizes effects that are expected, which might not cover the full spectrum of all potential outcomes.

projected impacts

Relates primarily to the impacts that are forecast or estimated, particularly in a business or planning context.

conceivable scenarios

Stresses scenarios that are imaginable or possible, suggesting a narrative or hypothetical frame.

possible repercussions

Focuses more on the negative side of outcomes, indicating consequences that are typically undesirable.

future possibilities

Highlights the element of future time and the possibilities that it holds, often used in more optimistic or speculative contexts.

expected developments

Centers on developments that are predicted or awaited, implying a process or sequence of events.

foreseeable consequences

Implies that the consequences are predictable and clear, reducing the scope to what can be reasonably anticipated.

eventual consequences

Highlights consequences that will occur in the future, possibly after some time, while potential outcomes focuses on the range of possibilities regardless of time.

FAQs

How can I use "potential outcomes" in a sentence?

You can use "potential outcomes" to refer to possible results or consequences of an action or situation. For example, "We need to consider all the "potential outcomes" before making a decision".

What phrases can I use instead of "potential outcomes"?

Alternatives to "potential outcomes" include "possible results", "likely consequences", or "anticipated effects" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "potential outcomes" in formal writing?

Yes, "potential outcomes" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to discuss possible results in various contexts, as seen in numerous academic and business sources.

What is the difference between "potential outcomes" and "probable outcomes"?

"Potential outcomes" refers to all possible results, while "probable outcomes" focuses on the results that are most likely to occur. Using "probable outcomes" narrows the scope to those results with a higher chance of happening.