the potential that

USAGE SUMMARY

"the potential that" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used to indicate the possibility or likelihood of something happening. Example: The potential that the new technology will revolutionize the industry is high, but it will depend on consumer adoption.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perhaps it's because Zuckerberg isn't the first to see the potential that has Raveendran so relaxed.

Forbes

The numbers are still small, but the potential that lies ahead is what counts.

Forbes

It attracted 250 voters, which he called, "reasonable," but "nothing like the potential that existed".

Vice

Don't overlook the potential that lies within creating an effective email signature.

HuffPost

It opens up the potential that exists throughout Harlem".

The New York Times

Our findings do not exclude the potential that female Ur.

Nature

And there is the potential that they will issue American depository receipts in 2005 or later.

The New York Times

"Is there the potential that it could hamper the Home Nations' teams in the future?

The Guardian

A. We have some investments that have not realized the potential that we think they have.

The New York Times

Cohen hopes to recover from tonight's performance to show the potential that Tarasova saw.

The New York Times - Sports

And without those other three building blocks he won't reach the potential that he's got.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the potential that", ensure the sentence clearly articulates what the potential refers to, providing context for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "the potential that" to describe unrealistic or improbable outcomes; ensure the potential is grounded in realistic possibilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the potential that" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a subordinate clause, expressing a possibility or capacity for something to occur. Ludwig's examples show this phrase introducing various outcomes, ranging from positive developments to potential risks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the potential that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce possibilities and prospects across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While it's a common and acceptable phrase, writers should be mindful of overusing it and consider alternatives like "the possibility that" or "the likelihood that" to add variety to their writing. Remember to provide clear context when using "the potential that" to ensure your intended meaning is effectively communicated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the possibility that

Emphasizes the chance or likelihood of something occurring, closely mirroring the original phrase.

the likelihood that

Focuses on the probability of an event or outcome.

the prospect that

Highlights the future outlook or expectation of something.

the chance that

Indicates an opportunity or risk associated with an event.

the risk that

Specifically points out the possibility of an undesirable outcome.

the opportunity that

Focuses on the favorable possibility or chance for something to happen.

the capacity for

Highlights the inherent ability or aptitude for something.

the ability to

Refers to the power or skill to perform a certain action.

the capability of

Denotes the competence or fitness for a specific purpose or task.

what could happen if

Expresses a hypothetical scenario and its possible consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "the potential that" in a sentence?

Use "the potential that" to introduce a possibility or prospect. For example, "There is "the potential that" the new policy will reduce crime rates."

What phrases are similar to "the potential that"?

Alternatives include "the possibility that", "the likelihood that", or "the prospect that", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever wrong to use "the potential that"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "the potential that" can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider varying your sentence structure with alternatives like "the opportunity that" or "the chance that".

What's the difference between "the potential that" and "the possibility that"?

While similar, "the potential that" often implies a capacity for development or future realization, while "the possibility that" simply denotes a chance of something happening. You might say, "There's "the potential that" she will become a great leader," focusing on her inherent qualities. Alternatively, "There's "the possibility that" it will rain tomorrow," simply stating a chance.