potential to question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "potential to question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express the ability or capacity to raise inquiries or doubts about something. Example: "The new policy has the potential to question established norms within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

One of the pleasures of writing for young people is their frankness and potential to question – if given the chance.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think the teenager represents something important in contemporary culture about identity, particularly sexual identity," says Grant. "The age between childhood and adulthood is one that is traditionally about transformation and therefore has the potential to question adulthood, often merging characteristics that are defined as masculine and feminine.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The potential responses to question 15 are detailed in Table 2.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Moreover, GP leaders as main stakeholders also assisted us in identifying potential targets to question.

BMJ Open

Mr Reckless said his new party had written to the Conservatives on Wednesday - ahead of the first hustings event between the two potential candidates - to question how their budget would remain inside the limit.

BBC

Carson isn't the only potential presidential contender to question the official measure of employment.

Huffington Post

The judge, Barrington D. Parker Jr., agreed to question potential jurors on their attitudes about paternity issues.

The New York Times

In the United States, lawyers are able to question potential jurors to ferret out reasons why they may want to strike them off the list.

The Economist

The home secretary said a helpline would be set up to help landlords make the checks, including offering advice on how to question potential tenants.

The Guardian

In effect, capturing anaphoric potential also adds structure to question meanings.

SEP

Interestingly enough, users themselves tend to question potential rumors, making their aggregate skepticism a key indicator of credibility.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "potential to question", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being questioned and why. For example: "The data has the "potential to question" the previous findings."

Common error

Avoid implying a guaranteed challenge when using "potential to question". It suggests a possibility, not a certainty. Use stronger verbs when a direct challenge is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potential to question" functions as a noun phrase that describes a capacity or possibility to raise inquiries or doubts about something. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in contexts ranging from social dynamics to evaluating research findings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "potential to question" signifies a capacity or possibility for inquiry and doubt. Although Ludwig identifies it as grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare. The phrase primarily appears in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a formal or neutral register. Considering related phrases like "ability to question" or "likelihood to question" can enrich expression, depending on the context. Remember that "potential to question" suggests a possibility rather than a guaranteed outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to question

Substitutes "potential" with "ability", focusing on the capability.

capacity to question

Replaces "potential" with "capacity", again focusing on capability or faculty.

potential to interrogate

Replaces "question" with "interrogate", implying a more formal or intense form of questioning.

potential to contest

Substitutes "question" with "contest", suggesting a challenge or dispute.

likelihood to question

Changes "potential" to "likelihood", focusing on the probability of questioning.

chance to question

Replaces "potential" with "chance", focusing on the possibility or opportunity to question.

power to question

Replaces "potential" with "power", emphasizing the authority or right to question.

prospect to question

Replaces "potential" with "prospect", focusing on a future possibility.

room to question

Substitutes "potential" with "room", describing the possibility to ask question.

scope to question

Replaces "potential" with "scope", referring to the possibility to ask question.

FAQs

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

You can use "potential to question" to indicate the possibility of raising doubts or inquiries about something. For instance, "The teenager has the "potential to question" established social norms".

What can I say instead of "potential to question"?

You can use alternatives like "ability to question", "capacity to question", or "likelihood to question" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "ability to question" and "potential to question"?

"Ability to question" refers to a current capability, while "potential to question" suggests a future or unrealized capacity. They are very similar, but "potential" implies the capacity is not yet fully active.

Is it better to use "potential for questioning" or "potential to question"?

"Potential to question" is generally preferred because it is more concise and direct. "Potential for questioning" is grammatically correct but can sound more awkward.