show potential

USAGE SUMMARY

"show potential" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to point out the possibility of success or development in someone or something. For example, "The new employee shows a lot of potential and could be a great asset to the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some, like The Loop, show potential.

The Guardian - Tech

It does give the show potential to run and run.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Others show potential, but need more precision, and more wit.

Independent

Experimental results show potential applications for the developed method.

Neurocomputing

Show potential customers that you're a brand or business that's active on the web.

The Guardian

Before launching the site, Assange needed to show potential contributors that it was viable.

The New Yorker

Sea surface temperature is overlaid to show potential correlations with seasonal presence trends of each species.

Cornell University

Therefore, these machines show potential for optimization [1].

Procedia CIRP

Incentives which show potential donors how their gift can count for more makes a difference.

The Guardian

Results show potential to efficiently accommodate sliding-induced friction.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

In comparison with other wavelets, armlets show potential advantages.

Expert Systems with Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating candidates or projects, use "show potential" to highlight areas where growth and development are expected, rather than focusing solely on current achievements.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the "potential" without concrete evidence or a clear path for development. Ensure that the claim is supported by observable qualities or preliminary results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show potential" functions primarily as a predicate in a sentence, expressing the capacity or possibility for future development, success, or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase is used to evaluate the prospects of individuals, projects, or technologies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

60%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "show potential" is a versatile phrase used to express the capacity for future development or success. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, ranging from scientific research to news reporting. The phrase functions as a predicate, highlighting positive attributes and encouraging further exploration. While its register is generally neutral, its usage is particularly frequent in scientific and news-related content. Remember to avoid overstating claims without supporting evidence, and leverage this phrase to effectively convey optimism and anticipation for future achievements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold promise

A more concise way of expressing future potential or likelihood of success.

demonstrate promise

Emphasizes the outward display of qualities suggesting future success, using a more formal tone.

exhibit capability

Focuses on the inherent ability to perform well, highlighting competence.

display aptitude

Highlights a natural talent or inclination toward a specific area.

suggest possibility

Indicates a chance or likelihood, focusing on the potential outcome.

portray prospect

Implies a future outlook or expectation, often used in a business or investment context.

reveal latent talent

Focuses on uncovering hidden abilities that have yet to be fully developed.

indicate future success

Directly points to the likelihood of achieving a positive outcome.

augur well

Suggests a positive prediction or sign for the future.

bode well

Similar to 'augur well', indicating favorable prospects or outcomes.

FAQs

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

You can use "show potential" to describe someone or something that has the possibility to develop and become successful. For example, "This research shows potential for revolutionizing cancer treatment."

What are some alternatives to "show potential"?

Alternatives to "show potential" include "demonstrate promise", "exhibit capability", or "hold promise". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "shows potential" or "has potential"?

Both "shows potential" and "has potential" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Shows potential" implies an active demonstration of qualities, while "has potential" suggests an inherent capacity.

What's the difference between "potential" and "demonstrated ability"?

"Potential" refers to the capacity for future growth and success, whereas "demonstrated ability" indicates proven skills and accomplishments. Someone might "show potential", but still lack "demonstrated ability".