potentially even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "potentially even" is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually means that something could happen, although it might not actually occur. For example, you could say: "Due to the current health crisis, the global economy could suffer, potentially even leading to a recession."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The future benefits are potentially even greater.

The New York Times - Tech

But Schalke have potentially even bigger problems.

The Guardian - Sport

That's exacerbated potentially even more for local TV.

The Guardian

But its consequences for Somalia are potentially even more destructive.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hours of time is the answer, potentially even days.

The Guardian

But the current moment is potentially even more terrifying.

The Washington Post

A second assumption is potentially even more misleading.

MIT Technology Review

And it is potentially even more complicated than that.

Independent

Travel agencies, tour operators, convention planners, potentially even wedding planners".

The New York Times

Strangler trees germinate and grow on other trees, eventually enveloping and potentially even girdling their hosts.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

This energy use and related emissions may double or potentially even triple by mid-century.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "potentially even" to introduce a scenario that is a possible, but not certain, outcome or extension of a previous statement. This adds nuance and avoids overstating possibilities.

Common error

While versatile, overuse of "potentially even" can dilute its impact. In formal contexts, consider stronger, more direct language to convey certainty or explore alternative phrasings to maintain clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potentially even" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding emphasis or extending the scope of a preceding statement by introducing a possible, often surprising or significant, consequence or addition. As confirmed by Ludwig, it suggests that something is not only possible but also noteworthy in its potential impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "potentially even" serves as a versatile tool for introducing possibilities and expanding upon previous statements. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While prevalent across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, mindful usage is key. Consider its impact and appropriateness, opting for stronger alternatives in scenarios demanding greater precision or formality. By employing "potentially even" judiciously, writers can effectively convey nuance and invite deeper consideration of possible outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potentially also including

Combines the aspect of potential with that of inclusion.

possibly including

Emphasizes inclusion as a possibility.

conceivably also

Highlights the plausibility of something in addition to what's already stated.

possibly in addition

Directly indicates the potential for something extra.

feasibly also

Focuses on the practicality of something happening in addition.

it is also conceivable that

Emphasizes the conceivability or imaginability of something.

imaginably also

Suggests something is within the realm of imagination or possibility.

it's also plausible that

Expresses possibility with a bit more formality.

maybe also

Indicates a lower degree of certainty.

perhaps also

Similar to 'maybe', but can sometimes imply a slightly higher degree of possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "potentially even" in a sentence?

You can use "potentially even" to suggest that something could happen, perhaps surprisingly or as an extension of something else. For example, "The company's expansion plans are ambitious, potentially even revolutionary".

What are some alternatives to "potentially even"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "possibly including", "conceivably also", or "perhaps also".

When is it appropriate to use "potentially even" in writing?

"Potentially even" is appropriate when you want to introduce a possibility that builds upon or extends a previous statement. It's useful in situations where the outcome isn't certain but is plausible.

Is "potentially even" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "potentially even" is suitable for formal writing, but consider the context. Overuse can weaken your writing, so opt for stronger, more direct language when appropriate. Consider alternatives like "plausibly also" for a more formal tone.