shows promise

USAGE SUMMARY

"shows promise" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to talk about someone who displays confidence or talent in a particular area, suggesting they have a lot of potential. For example, "The young artist showed promise with her early paintings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He shows promise.

The New York Times

And yet he shows promise.

The New York Times

The biotech industry shows promise.

The Economist

This team shows promise.

The New York Times - Sports

"Both shows promise a good time.

The New York Times

This first novel shows promise.

The New York Times - Books

If diplomacy shows promise, it should continue.

The New York Times

Empirical and analytical evaluation shows promise.

Decision Support Systems

Expert Commentary: Solriamfetol shows promise as adjunctive therapy in OSA.

Stanford University

This platform shows promise for monitoring immunotherapy, vaccination, and autoimmunity.

Stanford University

A nickel material called Alloy 22 also shows promise.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shows promise" to express that something or someone has the potential to develop into something positive or successful. Be sure to provide context to clarify what area the promise is in.

Common error

Avoid using "shows promise" without specifying the area of potential. For example, instead of saying "The project shows promise", specify "The project shows promise in reducing carbon emissions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shows promise" functions as a verb phrase that predicates potential or future success. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase indicates that something or someone possesses qualities that suggest a positive future outcome. Examples from Ludwig showcase its application across varied subjects, from technology to individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shows promise" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression to indicate potential or future success. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts, from technology to personal capabilities. The phrase enjoys frequent usage in news, science, and academic writing, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for a wide audience. When using "shows promise", make sure to specify the area of potential to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "has potential" or "is promising" can be used depending on the desired level of formality or specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has potential

A very similar alternative, focusing on existing capabilities that can be developed.

is promising

Adjective form indicating that something gives a basis for expectation of success.

holds potential

Emphasizes the inherent capacity for future development or success.

indicates potential

A more formal alternative to "shows promise", suitable for academic or business contexts.

exhibits potential

Similar to "shows potential" but more formal, implying a clear display of capacity.

offers hope

Highlights the optimistic aspect and suggests a positive outcome is possible.

has prospects

Focuses on the potential opportunities that lie ahead.

bodes well

Implies a good omen or a favorable sign for the future.

is a good sign

A simple way to indicate a positive development.

suggests possibility

Focuses on the mere chance of a favorable outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "shows promise" to indicate that something or someone has potential for future success. For example, "The new technology "shows promise" in revolutionizing the healthcare industry."

What are some alternatives to "shows promise"?

Alternatives to "shows promise" include "has potential", "is promising", and "holds potential". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more formal, "shows promise" or "has potential"?

"Has potential" is slightly more formal than "shows promise", but both are acceptable in most contexts. If you want to be more formal, consider using phrases like "indicates potential" or "exhibits potential".

In what contexts is "shows promise" commonly used?

"Shows promise" is frequently used in contexts such as evaluating new technologies, assessing the potential of individuals, and discussing the prospects of projects or initiatives. You will often see it in articles about science, business and technology.