realistic potential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'realistic potential' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the potential of something that is seen as likely to be achieved or possible to achieve. For example, "The new initiative has a realistic potential to increase sales within the next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

With the same target organ, potentially similar biological mechanisms, and a realistic potential for joint exposure, manganese and lead are important chemicals to examine for interactive effects.

Environmental Health Perspectives

(A more realistic potential application would be lightweight body armor that would also provide electrical power for a soldier's radio and other equipment).

The New York Times - Science

He would also have to accept that Iran will continue enriching uranium, and that the only realistic potential resolution to the nuclear issue would leave Iran in effect like Japan — a nation with an increasingly sophisticated nuclear fuel-cycle program that is carefully safeguarded to manage proliferation risks.

The New York Times

Suzanne Evans, Ukip's deputy chair and the author of the party's 2015 manifesto, has seen her national profile rise and is likely to be regarded as a realistic potential candidate to replace Nigel Farage should he step down in future as leader.

The Guardian

What is the realistic potential to implement integrated STEM education on a wide scale?

International Journal of STEM Education

Migration and entrepreneurship have the realistic potential to empower women financially in the new urban setting.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

In Figure5, we plot the realistic potentials, U X,Y=0) and U X,Y=X), together with their approximated circularly symmetric disk confining potential, U D (X,Y).

International Nano Letters

Finkenrath et al. [65] defined the potential to retrofit CCS units at power plants based on the following criteria: theoretical, technical, cost-effective, and realistic potentials.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

While advanced Monte Carlo techniques are quite efficient in sampling the conformational space of such models, the availability of realistic potentials is still a limitation to their general applicability.

Computer Physics Communications

For most realistic potentials, however, the Green's functions need to be calculated numerically since an analytic form is known only for free electrons or for their motion in a pure Coulomb field.

Computer Physics Communications

Our results suggest that the magnitude of global bioenergy potentials in the year 2050 is strongly affected by the need to produce feed for livestock, and that the careful consideration of biomass flows in the food system, in particular in the livestock system, is highly important in deriving realistic potentials for future bioenergy supply.

Biomass and Bioenergy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "realistic potential", ensure that the context provides specific evidence or reasoning supporting the assertion that the potential is, in fact, realistic. Avoid using it as a vague or unsupported claim.

Common error

Avoid using "realistic potential" to describe outcomes that are merely hoped for rather than demonstrably likely. Always provide concrete reasons or data to justify why the potential is considered realistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "realistic potential" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "realistic" modifies the noun "potential". It describes a possibility or capability that is considered achievable or likely, based on a sound assessment. Ludwig examples show that it's frequently used to assess opportunities or risks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "realistic potential" is a phrase used to describe possibilities or capabilities that are considered achievable and probable based on current information. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in formal writing. The phrase is frequently used in scientific, news, and business contexts. When employing this phrase, remember to ground its meaning with supporting evidence to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives such as "feasible potential" or "viable potential" to fine-tune the emphasis. Using "realistic potential" helps to convey a balanced and practical assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feasible potential

Focuses on the possibility of achievement; emphasizes practicality.

viable potential

Highlights the ability to function effectively and sustainably.

achievable potential

Emphasizes the attainability of the prospective outcome.

realizable potential

Stresses the capability of being brought into reality.

practical potential

Underlines the usefulness and applicability of the potential.

realistic prospect

Replaces "potential" with "prospect", emphasizing a future possibility.

realistic opportunity

Substitutes "potential" with "opportunity", focusing on favorable circumstances.

realistic chance

Uses "chance" instead of "potential", highlighting the probability of success.

reasonable potential

Emphasizes the logical and justifiable nature of the potential.

credible possibility

Replaces both "realistic" and "potential" with "credible" and "possibility", respectively, focusing on believability.

FAQs

How can I use "realistic potential" in a sentence?

You can use "realistic potential" to describe opportunities or outcomes that are likely to happen or be achieved. For example, "The project has a "realistic potential" to increase revenue by 20%".

What are some alternatives to using "realistic potential"?

Alternatives include "feasible potential", "viable potential", or "achievable potential". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "realistic potential"? Isn't all potential, by definition, realistic?

No, not all potential is realistic. The adjective "realistic" clarifies that the potential is based on a sound assessment and is likely to be realized, distinguishing it from theoretical or wishful possibilities.

What is the difference between "realistic potential" and "realistic possibility"?

While similar, "realistic potential" emphasizes the capacity for growth or development, whereas "realistic possibility" focuses on the likelihood of something occurring. The choice depends on whether you're highlighting capacity or likelihood.