potential to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"potential to be" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase suggests possibility and can be used to express potential for growth or success. For example, "Their company has the potential to be the biggest in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He has the potential to be exceptional.

Independent

It had potential to be radical.

The Guardian - Music

"It has the potential to be messy".

The Guardian

"Everyone has the potential to be creative.

The Guardian - Arts

Every child has the potential to be gifted and talented.

The Guardian

We have the potential to be a real good team".

The Guardian - Sport

"Brands have potential to be good characters," Mr. DiLorenzo said.

The New York Times

"The net has the potential to be a community".

The New York Times

The investigation has the potential to be embarrassing for Fifa.

The Guardian - Sport

Biology has the potential to be just as disruptive.

The Guardian - Tech

This year has the potential to be a watershed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "potential to be" when you want to emphasize that something has not yet reached its full capability but possesses the necessary qualities to do so. For example, "This technology has the potential to be a game-changer."

Common error

Avoid using "potential to be" when the possibility is highly improbable or unsupported by evidence. Overusing the phrase in such contexts can diminish your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potential to be" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically as part of an infinitive construction. It indicates the possibility or capacity for someone or something to develop into a certain state or quality. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "potential to be" is a versatile and widely used expression for indicating the possibility of future development or achievement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical structure is correct, and it appears frequently across diverse sources like news media, business, and scientific publications. When using "potential to be", ensure that the context supports the claim of possibility and that you are not overstating the likelihood of the outcome. Alternatives such as "likely to be" or "capable of becoming" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has the capacity to become

Replaces "potential" with "capacity", emphasizing inherent ability.

is likely to develop into

Focuses on probability and development over time.

can evolve into

Emphasizes a gradual process of transformation.

may grow into

Suggests a future possibility, often related to development.

could turn into

Implies a transformation, possibly unexpected.

promises to be

Suggests a high expectation or likelihood of a positive outcome.

is poised to become

Indicates readiness and anticipation for a significant change.

shows promise of becoming

Highlights early indications of future success.

exhibits the capability of being

Uses more formal language to denote inherent ability.

carries the prospect of becoming

Emphasizes future possibilities that are being thought of or considered.

FAQs

How can I use "potential to be" in a sentence?

You can use "potential to be" to describe the possibility of someone or something developing into something else. For example, "She has the potential to be a great leader" or "This project has the potential to be very successful".

What are some alternatives to "potential to be"?

Some alternatives include "likely to be", "capable of becoming", or "promising to be", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "potential to be" and "potential of being"?

"Potential to be" is generally preferred and more common. "Potential of being" is grammatically correct but less frequently used in contemporary English.

Which is more formal: "potential to be" or "has the capability to be"?

"Has the capability to be" is more formal than "potential to be". Use the former in professional or academic writing when a more elevated tone is desired.