potentials

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "potentials" is a valid and commonly used word in written English.
It can be used to describe the latent abilities, aptitudes, or qualities that an individual or object possesses. For example: "The student had great potentials, but he never took advantage of them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More plentiful metals like copper, bronze and iron have electrode potentials that are lower than silver, react with quite a lot of food, and taste foul.

The Guardian - Tech

"While President Jonathan acknowledges that there are still challenges in the path of Nigeria's attainment of its full potentials as a nation, he believes that his Administration is moving the country in the right direction and therefore deserves the support, encouragement and cooperation of all citizens," the statement added.

The Guardian - Books

She advises local authorities on their interactions with suppliers, customers and partners, and has recently focused on social media use and the potentials of channel shift for the sector.

The Guardian

Both these objectives will feed into each other, enriching your own practice by thinking about the work of others and developing a greater understanding of the potentials of biography as a genre through your work as a biographer.

The Guardian

The proteins formed pores in these walls and when the researchers applied a voltage, ions in the aqueous solution coursed through the pores, generating a signal similar to the "action potentials" that carry messages through nerve cells.Until now, those who have thought about printing artificial organs have assumed they would be made of real cells.

The Economist

Western companies are finding it harder to recruit "high potentials" in emerging markets.

The Economist

Signals pass through neurons in the form of electrical spikes called action potentials that carry little information in themselves, other than that they have happened.Such asynchronous signalling (so called because of the lack of a synchronising central clock) can process data more quickly than the synchronous sort, since no time is wasted waiting for the clock to tick.

The Economist

Ion channels, which shuttle electrically charged sodium and potassium atoms into and out of cells, are responsible for, among other things, creating action potentials.

The Economist

As a result, the numbers of these "high potentials" moving to Germany is declining: in the 11 months to November 2005, only 900 arrived, compared with 2,300 in 2004.Mr Bade of Osnabrück University thinks this is all the more serious because many highly qualified Germans are leaving.

The Economist

Electrical potentials, the basis of every nervous system, are one way of doing this.

The Economist

Two extreme distinctions are: 1) capitalists who are productive; who make more money by in net creating far more value for the country, without reducing that value by preventing competition or limiting peoples' potentials; 2) capitalist who are not productive, who are predators; who make money by in net taking value away from others (even if legally).Capitalism is a marvellous way to create value.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts such as a nation's potential or a person's, use "potentials" to emphasize multiple avenues for development or achievement. For example, "Nigeria's attainment of its full "potentials" as a nation".

Common error

Avoid using "potentials" when the singular form "potential" suffices. For instance, instead of saying "the potentials of this idea", consider "the potential of this idea" if you're referring to the overall possibility rather than multiple distinct possibilities.

Linguistic Context

The word "potentials" functions primarily as a plural noun, representing multiple possibilities, capabilities, or inherent qualities. It is often used to describe the range of opportunities or abilities that can be developed or utilized. As Ludwig confirms, it's a valid and frequently used term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "potentials" functions as a plural noun denoting multiple possibilities or inherent qualities, frequently appearing in both scientific and news contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and common term in written English. While versatile, avoiding redundancy by using "potential" when referring to a singular possibility is key. The related phrases, such as "hidden talents" or "latent capabilities", offer nuanced alternatives depending on the desired emphasis. Remember, harnessing the "potentials" of language means using the right word in the right context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying capacity

This stresses the fundamental ability or power that something possesses, even if it's not immediately visible.

latent capabilities

This phrase emphasizes the dormant or unrealized abilities that exist within something or someone.

inherent strengths

This focuses on the natural advantages or qualities that something possesses.

hidden talents

This alternative focuses on innate abilities that are not yet apparent or fully developed.

developing abilities

This option refers to talents that are in the process of growing and improving.

untapped possibilities

This option highlights the opportunities that are available but have not yet been explored or utilized.

promising avenues

This emphasizes the pathways or opportunities that show potential for success or development.

future prospects

This alternative centers on the potential for growth, success, or positive outcomes in the future.

possible outcomes

This alternative focuses on the range of results that are achievable.

available resources

This highlights the accessible assets and means that are usable.

FAQs

How can I use "potentials" in a sentence?

You can use "potentials" to refer to the inherent abilities, qualities, or possibilities that someone or something possesses. For example, "The project has many "untapped possibilities"", or "realizing their full "developing abilities" is their main goal".

What are some synonyms for "potentials"?

Alternatives for "potentials" include "latent capabilities", "hidden talents", "inherent strengths", or "future prospects" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "potentials" in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, the term "potentials" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, though its usage is more common in professional, academic, and news contexts. However, consider also using the alternative "available resources", if that's your intent.

What's the difference between "potential" and "potentials"?

"Potential" refers to a single possibility or quality, while "potentials" refers to multiple possibilities or qualities. For instance, "the potential of the company" versus "the company's potentials for growth".