Are all 'prospects' always 'potential' by their nature?
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When using the word 'prospect' is it ok to combine it with the word 'potential' or is it unnecessary, since all the 'prospects' are indeed always 'potential'?
Can / should we say 'potential prospects' or simply 'prospects' is sufficient and have the same meaning?
synonyms pleonasms
asked May 27 at 9:00
soockisoocki
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When using the word 'prospect' is it ok to combine it with the word 'potential' or is it unnecessary, since all the 'prospects' are indeed always 'potential'?
Can / should we say 'potential prospects' or simply 'prospects' is sufficient and have the same meaning?
synonyms pleonasms
asked May 27 at 9:00
soockisoocki
83 bronze badges
1
Hello, soocki. These Google Ngram results show that 'potential prospects' isn't used at all often. What do dictionaries say about the meaning of 'prospects': don't they, as you imply, indicate that potentiality is already implied?
– Edwin Ashworth
May 27 at 9:06
I am having trouble figuring this out, hence the question. Mind you I am not a native English speaker so the exact nuances of the language are somewhat unfamiliar and unclear. I am trying to figure out if all the 'prospects' are always potential or it can be assumed that some 'prospects' can be taken for granted, which would justify the usage of the word 'potential' in this context.
– soocki
May 27 at 9:15
1
I think it depends on context. For example, in a corporation I worked for, a 'prospect' was someone you were in contact with that might generate a sale and a 'potential prospect' was someone who might become a prospect (but who you hadn't yet contacted).
– KillingTime
May 27 at 9:20
The 'prospects' I am referring to are the expected outcomes of a particular project I hope to engage in.
– soocki
May 27 at 9:25
@Killing Time Even my wife, who predictably hates my (thankfully not me) foisting the nuances of the English language on her far too frequently, laughed at this unforeseen (to business virgins) complication.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 27 at 10:24
add a comment
|
When using the word 'prospect' is it ok to combine it with the word 'potential' or is it unnecessary, since all the 'prospects' are indeed always 'potential'?
Can / should we say 'potential prospects' or simply 'prospects' is sufficient and have the same meaning?
synonyms pleonasms
asked May 27 at 9:00
soockisoocki
83 bronze badges
When using the word 'prospect' is it ok to combine it with the word 'potential' or is it unnecessary, since all the 'prospects' are indeed always 'potential'?
Can / should we say 'potential prospects' or simply 'prospects' is sufficient and have the same meaning?
synonyms pleonasms
synonyms pleonasms
asked May 27 at 9:00
soockisoocki
83 bronze badges
asked May 27 at 9:00
soockisoocki
83 bronze badges
edited May 28 at 10:56
soocki
asked May 27 at 9:00
soockisoocki
83 bronze badges
asked May 27 at 9:00
soockisoocki
83 bronze badges
asked May 27 at 9:00
soockisoocki
83 bronze badges
83 bronze badges
1
Hello, soocki. These Google Ngram results show that 'potential prospects' isn't used at all often. What do dictionaries say about the meaning of 'prospects': don't they, as you imply, indicate that potentiality is already implied?
– Edwin Ashworth
May 27 at 9:06
I am having trouble figuring this out, hence the question. Mind you I am not a native English speaker so the exact nuances of the language are somewhat unfamiliar and unclear. I am trying to figure out if all the 'prospects' are always potential or it can be assumed that some 'prospects' can be taken for granted, which would justify the usage of the word 'potential' in this context.
– soocki
May 27 at 9:15
1
I think it depends on context. For example, in a corporation I worked for, a 'prospect' was someone you were in contact with that might generate a sale and a 'potential prospect' was someone who might become a prospect (but who you hadn't yet contacted).
– KillingTime
May 27 at 9:20
The 'prospects' I am referring to are the expected outcomes of a particular project I hope to engage in.
– soocki
May 27 at 9:25
@Killing Time Even my wife, who predictably hates my (thankfully not me) foisting the nuances of the English language on her far too frequently, laughed at this unforeseen (to business virgins) complication.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 27 at 10:24
add a comment
|
1
Hello, soocki. These Google Ngram results show that 'potential prospects' isn't used at all often. What do dictionaries say about the meaning of 'prospects': don't they, as you imply, indicate that potentiality is already implied?
– Edwin Ashworth
May 27 at 9:06
I am having trouble figuring this out, hence the question. Mind you I am not a native English speaker so the exact nuances of the language are somewhat unfamiliar and unclear. I am trying to figure out if all the 'prospects' are always potential or it can be assumed that some 'prospects' can be taken for granted, which would justify the usage of the word 'potential' in this context.
– soocki
May 27 at 9:15
1
I think it depends on context. For example, in a corporation I worked for, a 'prospect' was someone you were in contact with that might generate a sale and a 'potential prospect' was someone who might become a prospect (but who you hadn't yet contacted).
– KillingTime
May 27 at 9:20
The 'prospects' I am referring to are the expected outcomes of a particular project I hope to engage in.
– soocki
May 27 at 9:25
@Killing Time Even my wife, who predictably hates my (thankfully not me) foisting the nuances of the English language on her far too frequently, laughed at this unforeseen (to business virgins) complication.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 27 at 10:24
1
1
Hello, soocki. These Google Ngram results show that 'potential prospects' isn't used at all often. What do dictionaries say about the meaning of 'prospects': don't they, as you imply, indicate that potentiality is already implied?
– Edwin Ashworth
May 27 at 9:06
Hello, soocki. These Google Ngram results show that 'potential prospects' isn't used at all often. What do dictionaries say about the meaning of 'prospects': don't they, as you imply, indicate that potentiality is already implied?
– Edwin Ashworth
May 27 at 9:06
I am having trouble figuring this out, hence the question. Mind you I am not a native English speaker so the exact nuances of the language are somewhat unfamiliar and unclear. I am trying to figure out if all the 'prospects' are always potential or it can be assumed that some 'prospects' can be taken for granted, which would justify the usage of the word 'potential' in this context.
– soocki
May 27 at 9:15
I am having trouble figuring this out, hence the question. Mind you I am not a native English speaker so the exact nuances of the language are somewhat unfamiliar and unclear. I am trying to figure out if all the 'prospects' are always potential or it can be assumed that some 'prospects' can be taken for granted, which would justify the usage of the word 'potential' in this context.
– soocki
May 27 at 9:15
1
1
I think it depends on context. For example, in a corporation I worked for, a 'prospect' was someone you were in contact with that might generate a sale and a 'potential prospect' was someone who might become a prospect (but who you hadn't yet contacted).
– KillingTime
May 27 at 9:20
I think it depends on context. For example, in a corporation I worked for, a 'prospect' was someone you were in contact with that might generate a sale and a 'potential prospect' was someone who might become a prospect (but who you hadn't yet contacted).
– KillingTime
May 27 at 9:20
The 'prospects' I am referring to are the expected outcomes of a particular project I hope to engage in.
– soocki
May 27 at 9:25
The 'prospects' I am referring to are the expected outcomes of a particular project I hope to engage in.
– soocki
May 27 at 9:25
@Killing Time Even my wife, who predictably hates my (thankfully not me) foisting the nuances of the English language on her far too frequently, laughed at this unforeseen (to business virgins) complication.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 27 at 10:24
@Killing Time Even my wife, who predictably hates my (thankfully not me) foisting the nuances of the English language on her far too frequently, laughed at this unforeseen (to business virgins) complication.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 27 at 10:24
add a comment
|
2 Answers
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A prospect that is potential is potentially pleonastic.
That is, it is a fine distinction that works if in context there are potential prospects and actual prospects, but outside of any context, all prospects are potential.
Is the idea of 'potential' necessarily part of 'prospect'? No, but it does invoke some quizzical 'Isn't that already potential?'.
If you look at definitions of 'prospect' (where definitions aren't authorities, but are well-studied attempts at capturing meaning in other words), they all mention something having to do with future events. And the future is, implicatively, all potential.
If your boss makes a distinction between potential sales prospects and actual ones, then it's not redundant. Otherwise, 'potential' will be taken as already understood in 'prospect'.
answered May 27 at 15:56
MitchMitch
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While a prospect is a potential customer/client/buyer, a potential prospect is not yet at that stage:
There are two types of prospects; those that have an identified a need and are therefore potential buyers, and potential prospects who may or may not be viable. Usually you start with potential prospects, prospects that use or could use your product or service, but have no identified need. Through a series of questions, you narrow down the field to true prospects, a percentage you will convert to buyers. — James J. Kolins, Salesman to Superstar: Out Sell, Out Close, Out Earn Your Competition!, 2013.
Potential prospects can also be called leads:
Qualifying is the process that allows you to find out whether a lead is actually a prospect. A prospect is someone who has the potential to become a customer. Leads, on the other hand, are just potential prospects. If you don't qualify a lead, you may be wasting your time with someone who literally can't buy from you. — Wendy Connock, “What Is Qualifying?” BalanceCareers.com, 2 Dec. 2018.
Using the term potential prospects is thus not a tautology and makes a valid distinction between potential and actual prospects who may buy/contract for your goods or services.
answered May 27 at 15:33
KarlGKarlG
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2 Answers
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active
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2 Answers
2
active
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active
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active
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votes
A prospect that is potential is potentially pleonastic.
That is, it is a fine distinction that works if in context there are potential prospects and actual prospects, but outside of any context, all prospects are potential.
Is the idea of 'potential' necessarily part of 'prospect'? No, but it does invoke some quizzical 'Isn't that already potential?'.
If you look at definitions of 'prospect' (where definitions aren't authorities, but are well-studied attempts at capturing meaning in other words), they all mention something having to do with future events. And the future is, implicatively, all potential.
If your boss makes a distinction between potential sales prospects and actual ones, then it's not redundant. Otherwise, 'potential' will be taken as already understood in 'prospect'.
answered May 27 at 15:56
MitchMitch
55.6k17 gold badges112 silver badges230 bronze badges
add a comment
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A prospect that is potential is potentially pleonastic.
That is, it is a fine distinction that works if in context there are potential prospects and actual prospects, but outside of any context, all prospects are potential.
Is the idea of 'potential' necessarily part of 'prospect'? No, but it does invoke some quizzical 'Isn't that already potential?'.
If you look at definitions of 'prospect' (where definitions aren't authorities, but are well-studied attempts at capturing meaning in other words), they all mention something having to do with future events. And the future is, implicatively, all potential.
If your boss makes a distinction between potential sales prospects and actual ones, then it's not redundant. Otherwise, 'potential' will be taken as already understood in 'prospect'.
answered May 27 at 15:56
MitchMitch
55.6k17 gold badges112 silver badges230 bronze badges
add a comment
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A prospect that is potential is potentially pleonastic.
That is, it is a fine distinction that works if in context there are potential prospects and actual prospects, but outside of any context, all prospects are potential.
Is the idea of 'potential' necessarily part of 'prospect'? No, but it does invoke some quizzical 'Isn't that already potential?'.
If you look at definitions of 'prospect' (where definitions aren't authorities, but are well-studied attempts at capturing meaning in other words), they all mention something having to do with future events. And the future is, implicatively, all potential.
If your boss makes a distinction between potential sales prospects and actual ones, then it's not redundant. Otherwise, 'potential' will be taken as already understood in 'prospect'.
answered May 27 at 15:56
MitchMitch
55.6k17 gold badges112 silver badges230 bronze badges
A prospect that is potential is potentially pleonastic.
That is, it is a fine distinction that works if in context there are potential prospects and actual prospects, but outside of any context, all prospects are potential.
Is the idea of 'potential' necessarily part of 'prospect'? No, but it does invoke some quizzical 'Isn't that already potential?'.
If you look at definitions of 'prospect' (where definitions aren't authorities, but are well-studied attempts at capturing meaning in other words), they all mention something having to do with future events. And the future is, implicatively, all potential.
If your boss makes a distinction between potential sales prospects and actual ones, then it's not redundant. Otherwise, 'potential' will be taken as already understood in 'prospect'.
answered May 27 at 15:56
MitchMitch
55.6k17 gold badges112 silver badges230 bronze badges
answered May 27 at 15:56
MitchMitch
55.6k17 gold badges112 silver badges230 bronze badges
answered May 27 at 15:56
MitchMitch
55.6k17 gold badges112 silver badges230 bronze badges
answered May 27 at 15:56
MitchMitch
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55.6k17 gold badges112 silver badges230 bronze badges
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add a comment
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While a prospect is a potential customer/client/buyer, a potential prospect is not yet at that stage:
There are two types of prospects; those that have an identified a need and are therefore potential buyers, and potential prospects who may or may not be viable. Usually you start with potential prospects, prospects that use or could use your product or service, but have no identified need. Through a series of questions, you narrow down the field to true prospects, a percentage you will convert to buyers. — James J. Kolins, Salesman to Superstar: Out Sell, Out Close, Out Earn Your Competition!, 2013.
Potential prospects can also be called leads:
Qualifying is the process that allows you to find out whether a lead is actually a prospect. A prospect is someone who has the potential to become a customer. Leads, on the other hand, are just potential prospects. If you don't qualify a lead, you may be wasting your time with someone who literally can't buy from you. — Wendy Connock, “What Is Qualifying?” BalanceCareers.com, 2 Dec. 2018.
Using the term potential prospects is thus not a tautology and makes a valid distinction between potential and actual prospects who may buy/contract for your goods or services.
answered May 27 at 15:33
KarlGKarlG
26.2k7 gold badges38 silver badges76 bronze badges
add a comment
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While a prospect is a potential customer/client/buyer, a potential prospect is not yet at that stage:
There are two types of prospects; those that have an identified a need and are therefore potential buyers, and potential prospects who may or may not be viable. Usually you start with potential prospects, prospects that use or could use your product or service, but have no identified need. Through a series of questions, you narrow down the field to true prospects, a percentage you will convert to buyers. — James J. Kolins, Salesman to Superstar: Out Sell, Out Close, Out Earn Your Competition!, 2013.
Potential prospects can also be called leads:
Qualifying is the process that allows you to find out whether a lead is actually a prospect. A prospect is someone who has the potential to become a customer. Leads, on the other hand, are just potential prospects. If you don't qualify a lead, you may be wasting your time with someone who literally can't buy from you. — Wendy Connock, “What Is Qualifying?” BalanceCareers.com, 2 Dec. 2018.
Using the term potential prospects is thus not a tautology and makes a valid distinction between potential and actual prospects who may buy/contract for your goods or services.
answered May 27 at 15:33
KarlGKarlG
26.2k7 gold badges38 silver badges76 bronze badges
add a comment
|
While a prospect is a potential customer/client/buyer, a potential prospect is not yet at that stage:
There are two types of prospects; those that have an identified a need and are therefore potential buyers, and potential prospects who may or may not be viable. Usually you start with potential prospects, prospects that use or could use your product or service, but have no identified need. Through a series of questions, you narrow down the field to true prospects, a percentage you will convert to buyers. — James J. Kolins, Salesman to Superstar: Out Sell, Out Close, Out Earn Your Competition!, 2013.
Potential prospects can also be called leads:
Qualifying is the process that allows you to find out whether a lead is actually a prospect. A prospect is someone who has the potential to become a customer. Leads, on the other hand, are just potential prospects. If you don't qualify a lead, you may be wasting your time with someone who literally can't buy from you. — Wendy Connock, “What Is Qualifying?” BalanceCareers.com, 2 Dec. 2018.
Using the term potential prospects is thus not a tautology and makes a valid distinction between potential and actual prospects who may buy/contract for your goods or services.
answered May 27 at 15:33
KarlGKarlG
26.2k7 gold badges38 silver badges76 bronze badges
While a prospect is a potential customer/client/buyer, a potential prospect is not yet at that stage:
There are two types of prospects; those that have an identified a need and are therefore potential buyers, and potential prospects who may or may not be viable. Usually you start with potential prospects, prospects that use or could use your product or service, but have no identified need. Through a series of questions, you narrow down the field to true prospects, a percentage you will convert to buyers. — James J. Kolins, Salesman to Superstar: Out Sell, Out Close, Out Earn Your Competition!, 2013.
Potential prospects can also be called leads:
Qualifying is the process that allows you to find out whether a lead is actually a prospect. A prospect is someone who has the potential to become a customer. Leads, on the other hand, are just potential prospects. If you don't qualify a lead, you may be wasting your time with someone who literally can't buy from you. — Wendy Connock, “What Is Qualifying?” BalanceCareers.com, 2 Dec. 2018.
Using the term potential prospects is thus not a tautology and makes a valid distinction between potential and actual prospects who may buy/contract for your goods or services.
answered May 27 at 15:33
KarlGKarlG
26.2k7 gold badges38 silver badges76 bronze badges
answered May 27 at 15:33
KarlGKarlG
26.2k7 gold badges38 silver badges76 bronze badges
answered May 27 at 15:33
KarlGKarlG
26.2k7 gold badges38 silver badges76 bronze badges
answered May 27 at 15:33
KarlGKarlG
26.2k7 gold badges38 silver badges76 bronze badges
26.2k7 gold badges38 silver badges76 bronze badges
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1
Hello, soocki. These Google Ngram results show that 'potential prospects' isn't used at all often. What do dictionaries say about the meaning of 'prospects': don't they, as you imply, indicate that potentiality is already implied?
– Edwin Ashworth
May 27 at 9:06
I am having trouble figuring this out, hence the question. Mind you I am not a native English speaker so the exact nuances of the language are somewhat unfamiliar and unclear. I am trying to figure out if all the 'prospects' are always potential or it can be assumed that some 'prospects' can be taken for granted, which would justify the usage of the word 'potential' in this context.
– soocki
May 27 at 9:15
1
I think it depends on context. For example, in a corporation I worked for, a 'prospect' was someone you were in contact with that might generate a sale and a 'potential prospect' was someone who might become a prospect (but who you hadn't yet contacted).
– KillingTime
May 27 at 9:20
The 'prospects' I am referring to are the expected outcomes of a particular project I hope to engage in.
– soocki
May 27 at 9:25
@Killing Time Even my wife, who predictably hates my (thankfully not me) foisting the nuances of the English language on her far too frequently, laughed at this unforeseen (to business virgins) complication.
– Edwin Ashworth
May 27 at 10:24