a decent chance

USAGE SUMMARY

"a decent chance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which there is a good possibility of success. For example, "We have a decent chance of winning the game if we practice hard this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She's certainly got a decent chance.

The Guardian - Sport

Torres blasted a decent chance wide.

The Guardian - Sport

I give him a decent chance of a surprise win.

Independent

Besides, good biography has a decent chance of selling.

The Economist

The party is now giving itself a decent chance.

The Economist

It now stands a decent chance of being swiftly approved.

The Economist

Because there's a decent chance he will run.

The Washington Post

For one thing, there's a decent chance you'll be wrong.

Harvard Business Review

All four have a decent chance of winning.

The New Yorker

The thing is, he has a decent chance of winning.

The Washington Post

There's a decent chance you'll accumulate a few shiny statuettes.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decent chance" when you want to convey that there is a reasonable likelihood of success, but not necessarily a guarantee. This phrase is suitable for situations where the outcome is uncertain but positive results are plausible.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent chance" when the probability of success is extremely high or virtually guaranteed. In such cases, phrases like "a certainty" or "highly likely" are more appropriate to accurately reflect the situation's prospects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent chance" functions as a noun phrase that acts as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it is a common phrase used to indicate a reasonable possibility or likelihood of something occurring. Examples show it being used in contexts related to sports, politics, and general events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decent chance" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a reasonable likelihood of success or a favorable opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and sports. While it implies a positive outlook, it also acknowledges that success is not guaranteed. For similar expressions, consider using "a good possibility" or "a fair shot", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Be mindful not to overstate the probability when using this phrase. Overall, "a decent chance" is a versatile and effective way to communicate measured optimism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a good possibility

Emphasizes the potential for something to occur.

a reasonable prospect

Highlights the likelihood of a positive outcome based on current circumstances.

a fair shot

Suggests that someone has been given equal opportunity to succeed.

a promising opportunity

Focuses on the potential benefits and positive aspects of a situation.

a viable option

Indicates that something is practical and capable of succeeding.

a realistic hope

Emphasizes that there is a genuine reason to be optimistic.

a fighting chance

Implies that success is possible but will require effort and determination.

a sporting chance

Suggests an opportunity based on skill and competition.

a glimmer of hope

Indicates a small amount of optimism in a difficult situation.

a fifty-fifty chance

Highlights the equal probabilities of success or failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent chance" to indicate a reasonable possibility of success or a favorable opportunity. For example, "With hard work, we have "a decent chance" of winning the competition".

What are some alternatives to "a decent chance"?

Alternatives include "a good possibility", "a reasonable prospect", or "a fair shot" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a decent chance of success"?

Yes, it is correct. Adding "of success" clarifies what the "decent chance" refers to, making the meaning more explicit. For example, "The project has "a decent chance of success" if we manage our resources wisely".

What's the difference between "a good chance" and "a decent chance"?

While both phrases suggest a positive likelihood, "a good chance" implies a higher probability than "a decent chance". "Decent" suggests something is adequate or satisfactory, while "good" implies something is above average. They can often be used interchangeably, but "a good chance" suggests a stronger likelihood of success.