Meaning & use
potential problems
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Meanings
phraseplural
Troubles or difficulties that may happen in the future, though they have not happened yet.
Grammar: Always plural in this phrase; use a plural verb, as in 'Potential problems remain.'
Patterns
- potential problems with something
- potential problems for someone
- identify/avoid potential problems
- there are potential problems
Engineers checked the bridge for potential problems before it reopened.
There are potential problems with using that old software on a new laptop.
The report lists potential problems that could affect the schedule.
phraseplural
Possible faults or issues in a plan, product, or situation that people should think about.
Grammar: Often used after verbs like 'spot', 'flag', or 'discuss'; still plural.
Patterns
- spot potential problems
- flag potential problems
- discuss potential problems
The doctor flagged potential problems with the new drug during trials.
We should discuss potential problems before we sign the contract.
Common combinations
- potential problems arise
- Potential problems arise when nobody checks the figures.
- identify potential problems
- The team met to identify potential problems early.
- potential problems with
- There are potential problems with this design.
- avoid potential problems
- Careful planning helps avoid potential problems later.
- a list of potential problems
- She kept a list of potential problems in her notebook.
Synonyms and how they differ
- possible issues
- Very close in meaning, but 'issues' often sounds milder and more neutral than 'problems'.
- risks
- 'Risks' stresses danger or loss, while 'potential problems' is broader and can include minor difficulties.
- pitfalls
- 'Pitfalls' suggests hidden traps you may not notice, whereas 'potential problems' can be obvious or hidden.
Opposites
Word family
- potentially adverb
- In a way that is possible but not certain.
- potential adjective
- Possible in the future; able to develop into something.
- potential noun
- The ability or possibility to become something in the future.
Commonly confused: potential problems or potentially problems?
potential problems vs potentially problems
'Potentially' is an adverb, so it cannot modify a noun directly. Say 'potential problems' or 'problems that are potentially serious'.
Practice
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Potential problems' is plural, so it needs 'are'. Option 0 uses a singular verb, option 2 uses an adverb before a noun, and option 3 is missing the article 'a'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “potential problems”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.