a positive chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a positive chance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood of a favorable outcome in a situation. Example: "There is a positive chance that we will secure the funding we need for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

At t, A has a positive chance of occurring.

SEP

A fair coin, tossed 1000 times, has a positive chance of landing heads more than 700 times.

SEP

One response is to say that this last outcome did happen by chance, since at the start of the drawing there was a positive chance that a white ball would be drawn last, and a positive chance that a black ball would be.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But what we have in exchange is, I think, a real positive chance to reshape British politics and to make sure that the recovery keeps under way and to tackle this looming problem of the largest budget deficit in Europe which we've inherited from the Labour government.

The Guardian

In addition to targeting resources into high risk areas, surveillance continues in lower risk areas where there is a small yet positive chance of disease occurrence.

Preventive Veterinary Medicine

In such times, voting is not so much a positive choice as a chance to say no, according to Mohsen Kadivar, who trained at the seminary in Qom and is now research professor of Islamic studies at Duke University, North Carolina.

The Guardian

I see it as a positive force, a chance to give a voice to the voiceless".

The Guardian

On the other hand, we cannot exclude the possibility that the effect of MADD rs7944584 on type2 diabetes was over estimated or even this association was just a positive finding by chance.

Plosone

This seems rather optimistic, since genes will be expected to have a positive frequency by chance.

BMC Genomics

Our data show that unbalanced and unmatched groups of this size would have a 35% chance of showing a positive effect of treatment by chance alone [9].

Plosone

The Volt fire could be a "positive experience" and a chance to learn, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a positive chance", ensure the context clearly indicates what the favorable outcome or opportunity relates to. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a positive chance" without specific details. Instead of saying "There's a positive chance things will improve", specify what improvements you anticipate: "There's a positive chance the new policy will reduce costs and increase efficiency."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a positive chance" functions as a noun phrase. It denotes the possibility or likelihood of something favorable occurring. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate usage in contexts ranging from scientific probabilities to general opportunities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a positive chance" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates the possibility of a favorable outcome. While not extremely common, it appears across various reputable sources, including science and news media. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity. Consider using alternative phrases such as "a good possibility" or "a favorable opportunity" to vary your language. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the favorable outcome you are referencing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a good possibility

Emphasizes the likelihood of something favorable occurring.

a favorable opportunity

Highlights the advantageous nature of the chance.

a promising prospect

Suggests a hopeful outlook for future success.

a bright outlook

Focuses on the optimistic view of potential outcomes.

a hopeful sign

Indicates something positive that suggests a better future.

a silver lining

Highlights a positive aspect in an otherwise negative situation.

a fair shake

Implies an equitable opportunity or chance.

a lucky break

Suggests a sudden, fortunate opportunity.

an optimistic scenario

Points to a potential future that is viewed positively.

a constructive avenue

Emphasizes a path that leads to improvement or positive results.

FAQs

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

You can use "a positive chance" to indicate the likelihood of a favorable outcome. For example, "There is "a positive chance" that the project will be successful if we follow the outlined plan."

What's a more formal way to say "a positive chance"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "a favorable opportunity" or "a promising prospect" which convey a similar meaning with increased sophistication.

Is "a positive chance" always appropriate to use?

While generally acceptable, "a positive chance" might sound overly optimistic in situations demanding serious or cautious language. Assess the context to ensure it fits the intended tone.

What words collocate well with "a positive chance"?

Verbs like "offer", "provide", "see", and "increase" often collocate well with "a positive chance". For example, "Implementing these strategies will increase "a positive chance" of success."