realize their potential

USAGE SUMMARY

"realize their potential" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to achieve or fulfill one's full abilities or capabilities. You can use it in various contexts, such as discussing personal growth, career development, or even in sports or academic achievements. Example: "With proper guidance and support, students can realize their potential and excel in their studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mission: To enable members to realize their potential.

Columbia University

"But what about the women who never realize their potential?

The New York Times

We empower people and businesses to realize their potential.

MIT Technology Review

Although some ambitious ventures have started to appear, many have yet to realize their potential.

The New York Times - Travel

Our ambition should be not only to realize their potential, but to do so safely.

The New York Times

They are stuck in a sandstorm, where opportunities for young people to realize their potential are fading.

The New York Times

"It's not until you go and actually look at them that you realize their potential," he added.

The New York Times

Silas and his coaching staff were down on the Hornets early this month, figuring they would never realize their potential.

The New York Times - Sports

Providing all Americans with the opportunity to realize their potential, regardless of their origins, is a core value.

The New York Times

"They will be disconnected in a connected world, despairing as they watch others build and realize their potential and curiosity".

The New York Times

It would help working class people to realize their potential and ensure that society did not become unduly polarized.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "realize their potential", consider the specific context. Are you referring to personal growth, business development, or academic achievement? Tailor your language to fit the situation for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "realize their potential" when the situation only involves minor improvements or easily achievable goals. Reserve it for situations where significant growth or breakthrough is anticipated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "realize their potential" functions as a verb phrase, where "realize" acts as the main verb and "their potential" serves as the object. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used to describe the act of achieving or fulfilling one's abilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

29%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "realize their potential" signifies achieving or fulfilling one's full abilities, a notion confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and commonly used across varied contexts like news, academia, and business. This expression emphasizes growth and development and finds frequent application across news outlets, academic research, and business settings. For alternatives, consider phrases like "achieve their potential" or "maximize their potential" for slight nuances in meaning. When employing this phrase, ensure the context involves significant anticipated growth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actualize their potential

A more formal way of saying achieve their potential with emphasis on making it real.

reach their potential

Suggests attaining a level or standard, rather than fully developing all possible abilities.

attain their potential

A slightly more formal synonym for reach their potential with an emphasis on achieving it.

deliver their potential

Implies a successful outcome where the potential translates into tangible results.

recognize their potential

Emphasizes acknowledging the existence of untapped abilities, not necessarily developing them.

recognise their potential

British spelling for the action of acknowledging their abilities.

appreciate their potential

Focuses on understanding the value that already exists, rather than the act of bringing it to fruition.

perceive their potential

Highlights the mental act of becoming aware of inherent abilities.

know their potential

Focuses on understanding and awareness of inherent abilities, without necessarily implying development or use.

understand their potential

Emphasizes comprehension of the scope and possibilities of their abilities.

FAQs

How can I use "realize their potential" in a sentence?

You can use "realize their potential" to describe someone achieving their goals, such as: "With the right resources, students can "realize their potential" and excel."

What are some alternatives to "realize their potential"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "achieve their potential", "reach their potential", or "maximize their potential".

Is it better to say "realize potential" or "achieve potential"?

Both "realize potential" and "achieve potential" are correct and often interchangeable. "Realize" emphasizes bringing something into being, while "achieve" focuses on reaching a specific goal.

What does it mean to help someone "realize their potential"?

To help someone ""realize their potential"" means to provide them with the necessary support, resources, and opportunities to develop their skills and abilities to the fullest extent.