this is potentially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is potentially" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing possibilities or uncertainties regarding a situation or outcome. Example: "This is potentially a groundbreaking discovery that could change the way we understand the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is potentially inflationary.

The Economist

This is potentially dangerous advice.

The New York Times

This is potentially suspenseful.

The Guardian - Books

This is potentially dangerous.

The Washington Post

"This is potentially the end.

The Guardian

This is potentially tricky territory.

The New York Times - Food

And this is potentially a big problem.

The Guardian

"This is potentially a very strong company".

The New York Times

This is potentially problematic for two reasons.

The Guardian

This is potentially a huge deal.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is… potentially disturbing.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is potentially" to introduce an idea as a possibility, not a certainty. It's suitable for scenarios where outcomes are not yet determined, allowing for flexibility in interpretation and expectation management.

Common error

Avoid using "this is potentially" when the outcome is already known or highly probable. Using it in such cases can weaken your argument and make you sound indecisive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is potentially" functions as an introductory element in a sentence, serving to qualify a statement by indicating that it represents a possibility or a potential outcome, rather than a certainty. As seen in Ludwig, it is frequently used to introduce statements where future outcomes are uncertain.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is potentially" is a versatile expression used to introduce possibilities or uncertainties in a statement. As affirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various sources, including news, science, and business, highlight its utility in conveying a non-committal stance. While similar phrases like "this is possibly" exist, "this is potentially" specifically implies the inherent capacity for something to develop in a certain way. Understanding its function and purpose helps ensure accurate and effective communication in diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is possibly

A more concise way to express the potential nature of something.

this has the potential to be

Emphasizes the inherent capability for development or change.

this could possibly be

Adds a layer of uncertainty and possibility.

this may potentially be

Combines two words that indicate possibility, creating a slightly redundant but emphatic effect.

this might be

Suggests a lower degree of certainty.

this is conceivably

Highlights the ability to imagine or believe something.

this is arguably

Indicates that there is room for debate, but there is still a potential outcome.

this is projected to be

Suggests that there are expectations for something.

this is forecast to be

Implies prediction based on existing information or models.

it is not unlikely that this is

Uses double negative to affirm a possible outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "this is potentially" in a sentence?

Use "this is potentially" to introduce something that may happen or be true, but is not yet certain. For example, "This is potentially a breakthrough in cancer research."

What can I say instead of "this is potentially"?

You can use alternatives like "this is possibly", "this may be", or "this could be" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "this is potentially" and "this is possibly"?

"This is potentially" and "this is possibly" are very similar, but "potentially" often implies that something has the capacity to develop in a certain way, while "possibly" simply means it's feasible. The distinction is subtle.

Is it redundant to say "this may potentially be"?

Yes, "this may potentially be" is somewhat redundant because both "may" and "potentially" indicate possibility. It's generally better to choose one or the other, such as "this may be" or "this is potentially".