a fighting chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fighting chance" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which a person or thing has a small amount of hope for success. For example, "After months of hard work, the struggling student finally had a fighting chance to pass the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Those policies will give the middle class a fighting chance.

The New York Times

He had a fighting chance.

The New York Times

They finally had a fighting chance.

The New York Times - Arts

Local pundits give her a fighting chance.

The Economist

It gave me a fighting chance.

The Guardian

That gives everybody else a fighting chance.

The New York Times

We need reform with a fighting chance of actually working.

The New York Times

But the buggy whip makers never had a fighting chance.

The New York Times

"These babies deserve a fighting chance," she wrote.

The New York Times

Then Leyla would have a lawyer, and a fighting chance.

The New Yorker

Add it all up, and "Community" has a fighting chance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fighting chance" when you want to convey that someone or something has a small, but real, possibility of succeeding despite facing considerable challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "a fighting chance" when the probability of success is high or guaranteed. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the odds are significantly stacked against the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fighting chance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig shows it describes a situation where success is possible, though not guaranteed, despite challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fighting chance" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a situation where success is possible, but not guaranteed, despite the presence of challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. While it can be used in formal contexts, it generally maintains a neutral tone. Remember to use "a fighting chance" when you want to convey that someone or something has a small but real possibility of succeeding despite facing considerable challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shot at success

Implies a single attempt or opportunity to achieve a goal.

a glimmer of hope

Highlights a small amount of optimism in a difficult situation.

an outside chance

Suggests a low probability of success but still a possibility.

a sporting chance

Indicates a fair and equal opportunity, particularly in a competitive context.

a reasonable prospect

Emphasizes the likelihood of success, suggesting a more grounded possibility.

a potential for success

Stresses the inherent possibility of achieving a positive outcome.

a realistic possibility

Emphasizes that the chance of success is based on practical considerations.

a fair opportunity

Focuses on the equality of conditions for success, rather than the likelihood.

a window of opportunity

Focuses on a limited timeframe in which success is possible.

a competitive edge

Highlights an advantage that improves the probability of success.

FAQs

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

Use "a fighting chance" to indicate that someone or something has a possibility of success despite facing considerable challenges. For example, "With the new strategy, the company has "a fighting chance" of turning things around".

What are some alternatives to "a fighting chance"?

Alternatives to "a fighting chance" include "a shot at success", "a glimmer of hope", or "an outside chance", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a fighting chance" in formal writing?

Yes, "a fighting chance" is appropriate for formal writing as long as the tone aligns with the intended message of conveying a slim but real possibility of success. It is often used in news reporting and business contexts.

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

"A fighting chance" implies a lower probability of success, suggesting significant obstacles must be overcome. "A good chance" indicates a higher likelihood of success with fewer anticipated difficulties.