a minimal chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minimal chance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very small likelihood of something happening or occurring. Example: "There is a minimal chance of rain tomorrow, so we can go ahead with the picnic plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The forecast Monday called for a minimal chance of rain.

The New York Times - Sports

So…do you agree that Clinton has only a minimal chance — and if you disagree, what do you see as her path to the nomination?

The New York Times

I argue that Senator Clinton has only a minimal chance of winning the nomination — but a fair chance of creating such discord in the Democratic Party that John McCain can claim the White House.

The New York Times

But he believes there is a minimal chance of significant progress on immigration reform under Mr Bush.There is a broad political consensus that Mexico should push for a guest-worker programme and the regularisation of undocumented migrants in return for beefing up security on its side of the border.

The Economist

"We have to look back and we have to look in front because even if there is a minimal chance, we have to fight for it.

BBC

"There's really a minimal chance of something going wrong with this," says David Lee, the director of the Adelaide Health Center, a VitaminDrip franchisee.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

There is also a very minimal chance that you will get shocked, but this occurs very rarely.

WikiHow

It is a cause with minimal chance of success, but one hotly promoted by much of the political establishment.

The Economist

(Beacon would announce on your news feed if you bought something from a partner site with minimal chance for you to opt out).

TechCrunch

You know they're going to like it (because the original album is on their CD rack), you know they haven't already got it (because if they did you would have tripped over the massive box at some point), and, best of all, you know that they know it cost an arm and a leg – so there's minimal chance of your generosity going unnoticed".

The Guardian

Second, we collected serum specimens approximately 10 to 12 days after the last SARS patients were discharged; although these patients were discharged after their 5th to 6th week of illness, the minimal chance that a patient shed virus beyond the usual 2- to 3-week period (2 ) would theoretically mean that a few participants may have been tested before seroconversion.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minimal chance", ensure the context clarifies what the chance pertains to. For instance, "There is "a minimal chance" of rain" is clearer than simply stating "There is "a minimal chance".

Common error

Avoid using "a minimal chance" when the situation is actually impossible. "A minimal chance" implies some possibility, however small.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minimal chance" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a determiner phrase, indicating a low probability or possibility. It modifies an implied noun, quantifying the likelihood of an event or outcome. According to Ludwig, this is an accurate characterization.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a minimal chance" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a low probability or possibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to scientific writing. While alternatives like "a "slim chance"" or "a slight possibility" exist, "a minimal chance" offers a clear and widely understood way to convey a small likelihood. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and avoid overstating certainty. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. Considering all available data, it stands as a reliable and versatile option for expressing low probabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight possibility

Emphasizes the uncertainty and low probability.

a slim hope

Focuses on the optimistic but unlikely prospect of a positive outcome.

a remote possibility

Highlights the distance or unlikelihood of the event occurring.

a negligible probability

Stresses the insignificance of the chance.

a very small likelihood

Directly states the low degree of probability.

a faint glimmer of hope

Implies a weak and uncertain positive expectation.

a reduced likelihood

Indicates that the original probability has decreased.

a near impossibility

Approaches the concept of something being almost impossible.

a snowball's chance in hell

An idiom expressing an extremely low probability.

next to no chance

Emphasizes the almost complete absence of opportunity.

FAQs

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

Use "a minimal chance" to indicate a very low probability of something happening. For example, "There's "a minimal chance" that the meeting will be canceled."

What are some alternatives to saying "a minimal chance"?

You can use alternatives like "a slight possibility", "a "slim chance"", or "a "remote possibility"" to express a similar idea.

Is it correct to say "minimal chance" or "a minimal chance"?

While both are understandable, "a minimal chance" is more grammatically correct and commonly used. Omitting the article "a" makes the phrase slightly less formal but still acceptable.

What's the difference between "a minimal chance" and "a slight chance"?

"A minimal chance" suggests an even lower probability than "a "slight chance"". The difference is subtle but implies a smaller degree of possibility.