a long shot

USAGE SUMMARY

"a long shot" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom used to refer to a situation or an idea that has only a small chance of success. Example sentence: She thought there was a long shot she'd be able to snap up the last ticket to the concert.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A long shot?

Forbes

He is a long shot.

The Economist

Love is a long shot.

The New York Times - Magazine

Maybe it's a long shot.

The New York Times

It is a long shot.

The Economist

But that's a long shot.

The New York Times

Perhaps it's a long shot.

The New Yorker

That is a long shot.

The Economist

Salad, by a long shot.

University of California, Berkeley

"We know it's a long shot.

The New York Times - Sports

Approval seems like a long shot.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a long shot", ensure the context clearly conveys that the possibility of success is low but not entirely impossible. This adds nuance to your writing, avoiding absolute statements of impossibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a long shot" when describing something completely impossible. The phrase implies a small chance, not zero chance. Use stronger terms like "impossible" or "no chance" for absolute certainties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long shot" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. It describes something that is unlikely to succeed but not entirely impossible, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a long shot" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe something with a low probability of success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, as well as academic contexts. When using "a long shot", ensure you are conveying a small chance of success, not an impossibility. Consider alternatives like "slim chance" or "remote possibility" to fine-tune the nuance of your message. Avoid using it when something is certainly impossible. By considering these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "a long shot" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim chance

Emphasizes the minimal probability of success.

outside chance

Indicates a small but still existing possibility.

remote possibility

Highlights the distant or unlikely nature of the outcome.

unlikely prospect

Downplays the potential for a positive result.

improbable outcome

Focuses on the low likelihood of a specific result.

against the odds

Implies that success is unlikely given the circumstances.

pipe dream

Suggests an unrealistic or fanciful hope.

poor bet

Suggests the outcome is not worth wagering on because of the low chances of success.

not a snowball's chance in hell

An emphatic way of saying there's virtually no chance.

touch-and-go situation

Suggests a precarious scenario where the outcome is uncertain and leaning towards failure.

FAQs

What does it mean to say something is "a long shot"?

Saying something is "a long shot" means it is unlikely to succeed or happen, but still has a small chance of possibility.

What can I say instead of "a long shot"?

You can use alternatives like "slim chance", "remote possibility", or "unlikely prospect" depending on the context.

Is it ever appropriate to use "a long shot" in formal writing?

Yes, while "a long shot" is an idiom, it is acceptable in formal writing when the tone is not overly stiff and the context warrants a less direct expression of improbability. Consider the audience and purpose of the writing.

How can I use "a long shot" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "Winning the lottery is "a long shot", but people still buy tickets hoping to win."