potentially is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "potentially is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that has the possibility of being true or occurring. Example: "The new policy potentially is beneficial for employee morale, depending on its implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

So, potentially, is Martin's.

The New York Times - Arts

And that, potentially, is huge news.

The New Yorker

The other shock, potentially, is oil".

The New York Times

That, potentially, is more dangerous from Ocado's point of view.

The Guardian - Business

Seven-hundred billion dollars potentially is a lot of money.

The New York Times

Methyl anthranilate, he said, is "what potentially is different about wild strawberries and commercial strawberries.

The New Yorker

Also at stake, potentially, is an entirely new way of thinking about and doing research.

The Guardian

Here, potentially, is the drama of a person trying to make sense of him or herself.

The Guardian - Books

If we want to actually negotiate something with the Syrians, Iran potentially is an ally.

The Guardian

Second, Siri potentially is the future of what is now called search.

The New York Times

This, potentially, is cheaper still, and it has the additional advantage of being non-invasive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "potentially is" when you want to convey that something has a possibility of being true or occurring, but avoid overusing it in contexts where simpler alternatives like "may be" or "could be" would suffice for a clearer and more concise sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "potentially is" when the situation calls for a more definite statement. If evidence strongly supports a claim, stating it directly without the hedging of "potentially" adds clarity and strength to your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potentially is" functions as a hedge, softening claims by indicating possibility rather than certainty. As Ludwig AI suggests, it introduces an element of uncertainty or conditionality to a statement, as demonstrated in several examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "potentially is" is a versatile expression used to convey possibility or potential in a variety of contexts. Ludwig AI data shows that it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in neutral to formal settings such as news, scientific, and encyclopedic content. While the phrase is common, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring that it accurately reflects the intended degree of certainty and avoids weakening statements where a more definitive tone is appropriate. Alternatives such as "may be" or "could be" can offer more concise options in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is possibly

Replaces "potentially" with "possibly", a direct synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

could be

Uses the modal verb "could" to indicate possibility, offering a more concise alternative.

may be

Employs the modal verb "may" to express possibility, similar to "could be" but with a slightly more formal tone.

is conceivably

Substitutes "potentially" with "conceivably", suggesting something is within the realm of possibility or imagination.

is perhaps

Replaces "potentially" with "perhaps", indicating uncertainty or possibility in a more tentative way.

is likely to be

Indicates a higher probability than "potentially is", suggesting something is more probable than just possible.

is possibly going to be

Adds "going to be" to emphasize future possibility, making the phrase more descriptive.

has the potential to be

Shifts the focus to the inherent potential of something, rather than just the possibility of it being a certain way.

is within the realm of possibility

Offers a more descriptive and formal way of expressing potential, highlighting the possibility of something occurring or being true.

is not out of the question

Expresses possibility by stating that something is not impossible, often implying a lower likelihood.

FAQs

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

You can use "potentially is" to indicate that something has the possibility of being true or occurring. For example, "The new policy "potentially is" beneficial for employee morale, depending on its implementation."

What can I say instead of "potentially is"?

You can use alternatives like "may be", "could be", or "possibly is" depending on the context. These alternatives convey a similar meaning of possibility or potential.

Which is correct, "potentially is" or "is potentially"?

Both "potentially is" and "is potentially" are grammatically correct, but ""potentially is"" is often used for emphasis. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and flow of the sentence.

What's the difference between "potentially is" and "likely is"?

"Potentially is" suggests a possibility, while "likely is" indicates a higher degree of probability. "Likely is" implies a greater chance of something being true or occurring compared to "potentially is".