NRTC English: ‘Potential’ is never pluralised, same as ‘feedback’ and ‘evidence’

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

One common error English learners make is incorrectly pluralizing the word ‘potential’.

‘Potentials’ is incorrect in standard English. According to Cambridge Dictionary, “potential” remains singular, regardless of the context.

Some examples from Cambridge Dictionary are:

• The region has enormous potential for economic development.
• I don’t feel I’m achieving my full potential in my present job.
• [ + to infinitive ] You have the potential to reach the top of your profession.
• I think this room has got a lot of potential (= could be very nice if some changes were made to it).

Correct: The project has the potential to revolutionize the industry.

Incorrect: The projects have potentials to revolutionize the industry.

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Another similar aspect is the treatment of singular nouns, such as “feedback” and “evidence.”

According to Merriam-Webster, these words are inherently singular and should not be pluralized.

For instance, you would say, “The professor provided valuable feedback,” not “feedbacks.”

Correct: The manager provided constructive feedback on the presentation.

Incorrect: The manager provided constructive feedbacks on the presentation.

Correct: There is compelling evidence supporting the hypothesis.

Incorrect: There are compelling evidences supporting the hypothesis.

Is it correct to say “an evidence”?

No, it is not correct to say or write ‘an evidence’, neither is it correct to say ‘a feedback’ or ‘a potential’.

Indefinite articles ‘a’ and ‘an’ are not used with noncount nouns like ‘evidence’, ‘feedback’ and ‘potential’.

However, it is correct to say some evidence, some feedback, a scrap of evidence, (a) little potential etc.

Here are a few examples of the use of evidence in Merriam Webster Dictionary.

• The jury had a great deal of evidence to sort through before reaching a verdict.
• There is not a scrap of evidence in her favor.