a modest chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest chance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or limited possibility of something happening. Example: "There is a modest chance of rain tomorrow, so you might want to bring an umbrella just in case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Furthermore, the technique is considered to stand a modest chance of large-scale purification of proteinaceous pharmaceuticals.

Journal of Chromatography A

But there is a modest chance that 2014 will bring a general improvement.

The Economist

Now the Concorde is generally conceded a modest chance of playing a long‐lasting, if limited, role in international travel.

The New York Times

Only in California does the legislation appear to have at least a modest chance of being approved this year.

The New York Times

"But there is a modest chance that we can bring up some of these issues, like the gun show loophole".

The New York Times

In the Arab world, a misguided belief that things could hardly get worse persuaded us that there was "a modest chance that 2014 will bring a general improvement".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"The fentanyls are so awful that I think it is entirely reasonable to try a fentanyl supply control strategy that has only a very modest chance of success," said Jonathan Caulkins, a drug-policy expert at Carnegie-Mellon University.

The Washington Post

It may seem like a modest change, but the chance of winning decreased.

The Washington Post

"Two degrees warming and the tropical reefs have basically no chance – 1.5 degrees, they have a small to modest chance of survival.

The Guardian

Savers would do better to take some modest chances with their fixed-income portfolios.

Forbes

I have not indicated a specific statistical threshold, but the arguments from uncertainty would suggest that it is reasonable to give weight to at least modest chances of significant harms.

American Journal of Bioethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modest chance" when you want to indicate that something is possible, but not very likely. This conveys a sense of cautious optimism or realism.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest chance" when the likelihood is actually significant. Using it inappropriately can mislead your audience into thinking the probability is lower than it is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest chance" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It quantifies the degree of possibility or likelihood, indicating that the probability is small but not entirely absent. According to Ludwig AI, this is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest chance" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned phrase used to express a small but non-negligible possibility. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and can be used to indicate a small or limited likelihood of something happening. It's commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Alternatives like "a slight possibility" or "a slim chance" can be used for similar effect. It's important to use the phrase when there is still some, even if small, amount of possibility of something occurring, and not when overstating the likelihood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight possibility

Replaces "chance" with "possibility" and "modest" with "slight", emphasizing a low degree of likelihood.

a slim chance

Substitutes "modest" with "slim", suggesting a minimal possibility.

a small probability

Replaces "chance" with "probability" and "modest" with "small", maintaining a similar level of likelihood but using more formal terms.

a remote possibility

Substitutes "modest" with "remote", implying a very low probability.

a reasonable possibility

Substitutes "modest" with "reasonable", slightly increasing the perceived likelihood.

a shadow of a chance

Implies an extremely low probability, making it slightly more dramatic.

a limited opportunity

Replaces "chance" with "opportunity", shifting the context to available occasions rather than likelihood.

a potential opportunity

Replaces "chance" with "opportunity" and "modest" with "potential", suggesting an existing possibility for something.

a faint hope

Replaces "chance" with "hope", focusing on the aspirational aspect rather than a statistical probability.

a theoretical possibility

Replaces "modest chance" with a more formal and less optimistic assessment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest chance" to express a small possibility or likelihood of something occurring. For example, "There's "a modest chance" that the project will be completed on time, given the current delays".

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

Alternatives include "a slight possibility", "a slim chance", or "a remote possibility". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more accurate to say "a modest chance" or "a good chance"?

"A modest chance" implies a lower probability than "a good chance". Use ""a modest chance"" when the likelihood is small, and "a good chance" when the likelihood is significant.

When is it appropriate to use "a modest chance" instead of "no chance"?

Use ""a modest chance"" when there is still some possibility, however small, of an event occurring. If there is absolutely no possibility, then "no chance" is more appropriate.