prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'prospect' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to a possible opportunity, such as "The new job seemed like an exciting prospect". It can also be used as a verb, to mean to consider something, such as "We are prospecting for new investments".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have determined that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution is in the public interest".

The Guardian

In a speech setting out the government package to deter so-called benefit tourism, Cameron will say EU migrants can only continue to claim jobseekers allowance if they have been continuously actively seeking work and have a realistic imminent prospect of finding a job.

The Guardian

The term "nervous" is on every rider and manager's lips when asked to describe the demands of the early phase of the race, but what they mean is more complex than a few shivers of anticipation at the prospect of a tricky bit of road or two.

The Guardian - Sport

The prospect of freedom had become his reason for existence.

The Guardian

Reacting to the prospect of a referendum, Dijsselbloem said Greece did not have the time to conduct a plebiscite.

The Guardian - Business

The Franco-German timetable also raises the prospect that the negotiations could take place outside a formal EU treaty revision.

The Guardian

At the annual conference of his Traditional Unionist Voice party in Belfast last weekend Allister relished the prospect of taking on a political Goliath that has tramped all over the Northern Ireland landscape since the 1970s.

The Guardian

But privacy groups, sensing the prospect of losing one of their most reviled post-9/11 laws, were not in a mood to compromise on Friday.

The Guardian

Far from Cairo's madding crowds, they are in theory an attractive prospect for many Egyptians.

The Guardian

McDonald's reinvention of the Hamburglar was seemingly meant as a play for refreshed cultural relevance, but deeply mixed reactions to the new beef thief raise the prospect that the corporation has miscalculated.

The Guardian - Business

Earle is perhaps a little more realistic on the prospect – at least as far as the weather is concerned.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prospect" to convey a sense of anticipation or potential, especially when discussing future possibilities or opportunities in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "prospect" when you mean "perspective". "Prospect" refers to a possibility or outlook, while "perspective" refers to a point of view or way of regarding something.

Linguistic Context

The word "prospect" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a possibility, outlook, or potential future event. According to Ludwig AI, it can also function as a verb, meaning to search or explore, often for minerals or resources. The examples in the dataset predominantly showcase its use as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "prospect" is a versatile word primarily used as a noun to denote a potential future event, opportunity, or outlook. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and usability across diverse writing scenarios. Its frequency is very common, particularly in news and media, followed by formal business settings. When using "prospect", ensure it is not confused with "perspective", which refers to a viewpoint rather than a potential outcome. Furthermore, diverse alternatives like "possibility", "potential", and "expectation" can add nuance to your writing. By keeping these points in mind, writers can effectively employ "prospect" to enhance clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possibility

Focuses on the chance that something might happen or be true.

potential

Highlights the inherent capacity for growth or development.

outlook

Emphasizes a view or attitude towards the future.

expectation

Stresses a belief that something will occur.

chance

Indicates a possibility of something happening, often implying uncertainty.

hope

Expresses a feeling of optimism about a future event.

likelihood

Suggests the degree to which something is likely to happen.

vision

Implies a clear mental image of a future state.

opportunity

Highlights a favorable set of circumstances for doing something.

candidate

Refers to someone being considered for a position or award.

FAQs

How can I use "prospect" in a sentence?

You can use "prospect" to refer to a possibility or outlook. For example, "The "prospect of" rain is high tomorrow" or "She is a promising "candidate" for the job".

What are some alternatives to the word "prospect"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "possibility", "potential", "outlook", or "expectation".

Is it correct to use "prospect" as a verb?

Yes, "prospect" can be used as a verb, primarily in the context of searching for minerals or resources, such as "to "prospect for gold"".

What is the difference between "prospect" and "prospectus"?

"Prospect" refers to a possibility or outlook, while a "prospectus" is a formal document outlining the details of an investment offering. They are related in the sense that a prospectus describes the "future prospects" of an investment.