a chance

USAGE SUMMARY

"a chance" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about the possibility of something good or bad happening. For example, "I'm hopeful that this new job opportunity will give me a chance to grow professionally."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A chance.

The New Yorker

But take a chance.

The New York Times

Fairfield has a chance.

The New York Times

"They need a chance.

Independent

This was a chance.

The New York Times

Give us a chance".

The New York Times

He has a chance".

Independent

"Never missed a chance".

The New York Times - Sports

Not a chance, Bernie.

The New York Times

"There is a chance.

The New York Times - Sports

There's a chance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "a chance" with action verbs to illustrate what action can be taken to leverage the opportunity, such as "take a chance", "give a chance", or "have a chance".

Common error

Avoid using "a chance" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be preferred. In such contexts, consider using "an opportunity" or "a prospect" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a chance" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition. It signifies the possibility of something happening or an opportunity to do something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a chance" is a common and versatile noun phrase used to express the possibility or opportunity for something to happen. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from news and media to formal business settings. While "an opportunity" may be considered more formal in some situations, "a chance" remains a suitable and readily understood option. It's often paired with verbs like "take", "give", or "have" to illustrate the action associated with the opportunity. Remember to tailor your vocabulary to the specific formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an opportunity

Slightly more formal, emphasizing a favorable set of circumstances.

a possibility

Focuses on the potential for something to happen, without necessarily implying a favorable situation.

a prospect

Implies anticipation and potential future outcome.

a likelihood

Highlights the degree to which something is likely to occur.

a shot

Informal, suggests an attempt or try at something.

an opening

Implies a gap or a space where something can occur.

a window

Suggests a limited time frame for an opportunity.

a scope

Suggests a range or extent of opportunity.

a break

Colloquial, implies good fortune or a fortunate turn of events.

a doorway

Implies the start of a new beginning or possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "a chance" in a sentence?

You can use "a chance" in many ways, such as "to give someone a chance", "to take a chance", or "to have a chance". For example, "Give diplomacy "a chance"" or "They deserve "a chance"".

What's the difference between "a chance" and "an opportunity"?

While often interchangeable, "an opportunity" is typically seen as a more formal and significant occasion, whereas "a chance" can refer to any possibility, big or small. Consider context when choosing between "an opportunity" and "a chance".

Which is correct: "a chance to" or "a chance of"?

Both can be correct, but they have different meanings. "A chance to" is followed by a verb, indicating an opportunity to do something. "A chance of" is followed by a noun, indicating the probability of something happening. For example: "a chance to win" versus "a chance of winning".

What are some alternatives to "a chance"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an opportunity", "a possibility", "a prospect", or "a shot". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.