showing promise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "showing promise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something has potential for success or improvement. Example: "The young athlete is showing promise in her training, and coaches believe she could excel in the upcoming competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's Showing Promise.

The New York Times

The party seems to be showing promise there.

The New York Times

But week by week, he is showing promise and possibilities.

The New York Times - Sports

In 1997 Crawford Grimsley was a heavyweight showing promise.

The Guardian - Sport

Some programs to address veteran suicide are showing promise.

The New York Times

A new diet for IBS, developed in Australia, is showing promise in managing IBS symptoms.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

He shows promise.

The New York Times

His approach showed promise.

The New York Times

It showed promise.

Stanford University

And yet he shows promise.

The New York Times

Both showed promise as juniors.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing future prospects, use "showing promise" to convey a sense of optimism grounded in present observations. For example, instead of saying "the project might succeed", use "the project is showing promise" for a more confident tone.

Common error

Avoid using "showing promise" as a substitute for demonstrating tangible achievements. While it's suitable for early-stage evaluations, replace it with phrases like "achieving results" or "delivering outcomes" when discussing finalized projects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "showing promise" functions as a verb phrase that often modifies a noun, indicating the potential or likelihood of future success or improvement. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "showing promise" is a versatile and widely used expression that conveys optimism about future prospects. Grammatically correct and common across various contexts, including news, science, and business, it indicates potential for success or improvement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and offers alternatives like "demonstrating potential" or "exhibiting promise". When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with ongoing progress rather than replacing tangible achievements, as overusing it in contexts requiring concrete results can be misleading.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking promising

Similar in meaning but uses a slightly different verb form.

demonstrating potential

Emphasizes the inherent capacity for future development.

exhibiting potential

Highlights the visible display of qualities suggesting future success.

having potential

Focuses on the possession of inherent qualities that could lead to success.

suggesting likelihood

Focuses on the probability of a positive outcome.

portending success

Implies that current signs point towards a favorable result.

shaping up well

Indicates that something is developing positively and effectively.

indicating capability

Stresses the inherent skills or abilities present.

boding well

Suggests that current circumstances are favorable for future progress.

on track for success

Highlights progress and direction toward a positive outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "showing promise" in a sentence?

You can use "showing promise" to indicate that someone or something has potential for success or improvement. For example, "The new drug is "showing promise" in early clinical trials."

What are some alternatives to "showing promise"?

Some alternatives to "showing promise" include "demonstrating potential", "exhibiting promise", or "looking promising".

Is it better to say "showing promise" or "promising"?

Both "showing promise" and "promising" can be used, but they have slightly different connotations. "Showing promise" implies ongoing progress, while "promising" suggests inherent potential. The choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean when something is described as "showing promise"?

When something is described as "showing promise", it means that it is displaying qualities or characteristics that suggest it has the potential to be successful or to improve significantly in the future.