Article question - logical potential

Question

Hi,

Consider the two sentences below. In #1, there is no article for potential. But in #2, there is an article, which applies to ‘potential’. My guess is the article was introduced due to ‘logical’ before ‘potential’. Is that correct? What is this phenomenon called?

1.This investment is not good unless there is potential to form a strategic partnership down the road.

2.This investment is not good unless there is the logical potential to form a strategic partnership down the road.

Thanks,

MG.

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

Hi MG;

I would have used the article "the" in the first sentence.

A-

s

Musicgold · Answer

AlpheccaStars,

Thanks.

Tough...tough...tough...articles are so tough grasp !

AS,

Can you please elaborate your answer? How do you decide if an article is required in this situatiion. Note that two of the following three senteces (from the media) use articles for 'potential'.

3. Purbalingga has good potential to become a kayaking destination for tourists.

4. Chatter has a good potential to increase Salesforce average revenue per customer.

5. Twitter and Diijo have the potential to be useful tools in and out of the classroom.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Hi MG;

The most common usage that I've seen is to use a determiner or quantifier with "potential."
But there isn't any systematic rule.

The drug's potential as a life saver was proven in practice.

He has some potential to be a successful salesman.
He has good potential to be a successful salesman.
He has the potential to be a successful salesman. (same meaning as above)

He has little or no potential to be a rocket scientist.
It is the purpose of the schools to let every student realize their potential.
The new therapy shows (its) potential.

Musicgold · Answer

AlpheccaStars,

Thank you very much.

Article question - logical potential

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