serious prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious prospect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or opportunity that has significant potential or likelihood of success. Example: "The company is considering a serious prospect for expansion into international markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Liberator is a more serious prospect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of those, 2.2 million face the serious prospect of starvation.

The New York Times

What attracted you to fencing and made it a serious prospect for you?

The New York Times

That's a far more serious prospect than going over the fiscal cliff.

The New York Times

A lovely finish from a player who looks a serious prospect.

The Guardian - Sport

ED ALMONTE, another minor leaguer whom the Mets received, is not a serious prospect.

The New York Times - Sports

"Jozy has been on their radar as a serious prospect for months.

The New York Times - Sports

That's a serious prospect – otherwise Japan wouldn't need new security partners.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are a serious prospect for government after going down to our second worst defeat in history in 2010".

Independent

Still, for the first time, a conservative pundit has touted an Abbott restoration as a more-or-less serious prospect.

The Guardian - Opinion

These defeats, two knockouts and a points loss, effectively put an end to his reputation as a serious prospect.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When wanting to suggest a less threatening potential you can replace the word 'serious' with other adjectives such as 'legitimate', 'real', or 'credible'.

Common error

Avoid using "serious prospect" when the possibility is merely speculative or lacks substantial evidence. Ensure there are reasonable grounds to consider it a realistic possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious prospect" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "serious" modifies the noun "prospect". It describes a possibility or potential that is considered significant and worthy of attention. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

18%

Opinion

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious prospect" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a significant possibility or potential. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly found in news, sports, and opinion pieces, signaling its widespread applicability across diverse contexts. To ensure effective communication, consider the specific context and adjust the phrase to reflect the appropriate level of certainty or emphasis, while also being mindful of the potential for overstatement. With its versatile nature and clear meaning, "serious prospect" is a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine possibility

Emphasizes the authenticity and realness of the possibility.

real potential

Highlights the actual and tangible nature of the potential.

substantial opportunity

Focuses on the significant and considerable nature of the opportunity.

credible outlook

Implies that the prospect is believable and likely to happen.

viable option

Suggests that the prospect is practical and capable of succeeding.

distinct likelihood

Indicates a clear and noticeable chance of something occurring.

realistic possibility

Highlights the practicality and feasibility of the chance.

significant potential

Stresses the importance and magnitude of the potential.

considerable chance

Focuses on the noteworthy and sizable probability.

legitimate hope

Emphasizes the validity and justification for optimism.

FAQs

How can I use "serious prospect" in a sentence?

You can use "serious prospect" to describe a significant possibility or potential. For example, "The company views the new market as a "serious prospect" for growth".

What are some alternatives to saying "serious prospect"?

Alternatives include "genuine possibility", "real potential", or "substantial opportunity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a very serious prospect"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "a very serious prospect". The adverb "very" simply intensifies the adjective "serious", further emphasizing the significance of the prospect.

What is the difference between "serious prospect" and "potential threat"?

"Serious prospect" generally implies a positive or neutral potential outcome, whereas "potential threat" indicates a possible negative outcome or danger.