what potential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what potential" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing possibilities, capabilities, or opportunities related to a person, idea, or situation. Example: "We need to explore what potential this new technology has for improving our workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What potential.

The Economist

What potential problems might you come across?

The Guardian

So what potential exists for efficiencies?

The Guardian

What potential impacts could it have on the environment?

The Guardian

What potential recruit would want to take that deal?

The New York Times

What potential crime the police are investigating is unclear.

The New York Times

What potential benefits are there to experimenting in the lab first?

The New York Times

Confidence also comes in knowing what potential clients need, so market research is key.

The Guardian

Without evaluation, doctors cannot know what potential for rehabilitation — or survival — Mr. Jiménez possesses.

The New York Times

Don't assume anything about what potential funders will know about you or your project.

The Guardian

He knew exactly what to do with it, he knew what potential it had.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what potential", clearly define the subject or area you are evaluating to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "what potential" in overly broad contexts without identifying the specific area of possibility. This can lead to vague and uninformative statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what potential" serves as an interrogative determiner phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to inquire about the possible capabilities, opportunities, or possibilities associated with a subject. Examples from Ludwig show it frequently appears in questions exploring future impacts or benefits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what potential" is a grammatically correct and frequently used interrogative phrase to inquire about possibilities and capabilities. According to Ludwig, it is used across a wide range of contexts, from news and media to scientific research, and Ludwig AI shows its utility in prompting exploration of opportunities and future implications. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; it is best practice to explicitly define the subject under evaluation. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is widely recognized and accepted in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what possibilities

Focuses on a range of possible outcomes or developments.

what opportunities

Highlights favorable circumstances or chances for advancement.

what capabilities

Emphasizes inherent abilities or capacities.

what prospects

Considers future outlooks or chances of success.

what chances

Refers to the likelihood of something happening.

what likelihood

Focuses on the probability of a specific event.

what prospect

Similar to "what prospects" but singular, focusing on one particular outlook.

what capability

Similar to "what capabilities" but singular, focusing on one particular ability.

what possibility

Similar to "what possibilities" but singular, focusing on one particular possible outcome.

what could be

Explores the potential outcomes or states of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "what potential" to inquire about the possible benefits, risks, or applications of something. For example, "What potential does this new technology have for improving healthcare?"

What are some alternatives to "what potential"?

Alternatives include "what possibilities", "what opportunities", or "what capabilities", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "what potential is there" or "what is the potential"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "What potential is there?" is often used when the potential is less defined, while "What is the potential?" implies a more specific or known area of possibility.

What's the difference between "what potential" and "what is the potential"?

While similar, "what is the potential" often refers to a more specific or already identified potential, while "what potential" is a broader inquiry about possibilities.