a half chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a half chance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a small possibility or likelihood of something happening. Example: "If we work hard and stay focused, we might have a half chance of winning the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

It was a half chance at most.

The Guardian - Sport

74 min Drogba misses a half chance.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes you make a half chance and win.

Independent

It was a half chance at best, mind.

The Guardian - Sport

12.05am: But it was only a half chance.

The Guardian - Sport

But by entering she has a half chance of winning the election.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

It was still a half-chance though.

The Guardian - Sport

A half-chance for Murray at 30-all.

The Guardian - Sport

England then had a half-chance to see off each of the openers before lunch.

Independent

Mickelson's approach is to 15 feet, a half-chance for an opening birdie.

The Guardian - Sport

32nd over: India 160-4 (Yuvraj 6, Raina 2), target 238 A half-chance for Blackwell.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a half chance" when you want to downplay the likelihood of success while still acknowledging a potential, however small, opportunity. It's useful in situations where realism and tempered expectations are desired.

Common error

Avoid using "a half chance" when describing situations where the possibility of success is significantly higher. Using it in such cases can create a sense of unwarranted pessimism or undermine the potential for positive outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a half chance" functions as a noun phrase that describes a limited or small possibility of something occurring. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is usable and grammatically correct. Examples show it modifying nouns related to opportunities or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a half chance" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a small or limited possibility of success. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is acceptable in written English. Analysis of various sources shows it appearing most frequently in news and media contexts, with neutral register. When using this phrase, consider its implication of low probability, and if a more formal tone is required, alternatives like "faint possibility" or "remote prospect" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slight chance

A more direct synonym, indicating a small degree of likelihood.

Outside chance

Suggests the possibility exists but is unlikely.

Slim opportunity

Emphasizes the limited nature of the opportunity.

Outside shot

An informal expression for a low probability of success.

Limited opportunity

Focuses on the restricted availability of a chance.

Faint possibility

Highlights the low likelihood of something happening.

Small window

Uses a metaphor to convey a brief and limited opportunity.

Remote prospect

Suggests the outcome is not very probable.

Marginal possibility

Indicates a very small and perhaps insignificant chance.

Theoretical possibility

Highlights the possibility is more conceptual than realistic.

FAQs

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

You can use "a half chance" to describe a situation with a low probability of success. For example, "Despite the odds, we have "a half chance" of winning if we execute our plan perfectly."

What's a good alternative to "a half chance"?

Alternatives include "slim opportunity", "slight chance", or "outside shot". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of possibility you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a half chance" or "a small chance"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "a half chance" implies an even lower probability than "a small chance". Use "a half chance" when the odds are particularly unfavorable.

Can "a half chance" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a half chance" can be used in formal writing, though alternatives like "faint possibility" or "remote prospect" might be preferred in highly formal or academic contexts due to their slightly more elevated tone.