potential to vs potential for

Both 'potential to' and 'potential for' are correct and commonly used in English. They are often interchangeable, but 'potential to' is more commonly used when referring to the ability or capacity to do something, while 'potential for' is more commonly used when referring to the possibility or likelihood of something happening.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 736 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"potential to"

This phrase is often used when referring to the ability or capacity to do something. It indicates the potential or capability of achieving a certain outcome.

Examples:

He has the potential to become a great leader.
The new technology has the potential to revolutionize the industry.
She has the potential to succeed in her new role.
The team has the potential to win the championship.
The project has the potential to generate significant revenue.

Alternatives:

ability to
capacity to
capability to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"potential for"

This phrase is often used when referring to the possibility or likelihood of something happening. It indicates the potential or likelihood of a particular outcome or event.

Examples:

There is great potential for growth in the market.
The project has potential for success.
The region has potential for economic development.
There is potential for conflict in the situation.
The new policy has potential for improvement.

Show examples from the web [+]

Telecommunications satellites comprise the space sector with the maximum potential for development.
The potential for Ferengi business expansion is staggering.
Lithuania has considerable potential for long-term economic growth.
Europe has genuine potential for the future.
The potential for interactions must be considered in patients receiving AZARGA.
Without proper monitoring, there's the potential for implosion.
The construction sector offers great potential for energy savings.
So there is potential for using that land.
Information and communication technologies have a huge potential for helping older people.
Inside every hero lurks the potential for a monster.
Rather than potential for growth, the informal economy most often reflects backward economies with little capacity for generating proper employment.
The potential for involving citizens is higher than ever before.
The EU in its present form offers the potential for fuller cooperation.
The potential for use of cogeneration as a measure to save energy is underused in the Community at present.
Such investments will increase both the potential for a real competitive market and contribute to security of supply.
No potential for the long range.
The greatest potential for influencing consumer behaviour permanently by means of information lies in education.
Our greatest potential for adaptation resides in them.
Wade is a great guy with massive potential for growth with the right woman.
Your Honor, my client has demonstrated her potential for rehabilitation.

Alternatives:

possibility of
likelihood of
chance of

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potential to vs potential for

"potential to"

"potential for"

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