a proper chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a proper chance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a fair or adequate opportunity for someone to do something or to succeed. Example: "Everyone deserves a proper chance to prove their abilities, regardless of their background."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It must therefore give them a proper chance to work.

The New York Times

They gave him a proper chance and time.

The Guardian - Sport

It denies you a proper chance to win a football match".

BBC

Finally a proper chance to run the rule over the White Wolves.

The Guardian - Sport

Los Angeles's burgeoning health-food industry may have been the only one to give carob a proper chance.

The New Yorker

Plenty of other shows will no doubt jump out when I've had a proper chance to root through the programme.

The Guardian

10.40pm BST Snedeker gave himself a proper chance for birdie on 12, pin high, 12 feet from the flag.

The Guardian - Sport

I didn't get a proper chance to test the Kinect motion sensor but from a brief demo it looked far more advanced than the original 360 version.

Independent

The reality is for us to come back into this game is that we had to score and we never had a proper chance to score".

Independent

Giving the people we serve a voice, a proper chance, and a decent government that works every day to help, come what may.

Independent

"At the moment, when you play Twenty20 on a Friday night after a four-day match earlier in the week, you don't get a proper chance to practise.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using "a proper chance" can imply a sense of fairness and justice. It's effective in arguments advocating for equal opportunities or when criticizing situations where someone was unfairly disadvantaged.

Common error

Avoid using "a proper chance" without clarifying what specific conditions or resources are needed to make the chance genuinely fair. Vague usage can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a proper chance" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It signifies an opportunity that is fair, adequate, and appropriate given the circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a proper chance" is a commonly used phrase that signifies a fair and adequate opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, often used to advocate for fairness and equal opportunities. The phrase has a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. Related phrases include "a fair opportunity" and "an adequate opportunity". When using "a proper chance", it's important to clarify what specific conditions are needed to make the opportunity genuinely fair.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fair opportunity

Emphasizes impartiality and justice in the chance given.

a legitimate opportunity

Stresses the genuineness and validity of the opportunity.

an adequate opportunity

Focuses on the sufficiency of the chance provided.

a reasonable opportunity

Highlights the fairness and appropriateness of the chance.

a real opportunity

Underscores the authenticity and tangibility of the chance.

a genuine opportunity

Highlights the sincerity and honesty behind the given chance.

a sufficient opportunity

Focuses on the degree to which opportunity is enough.

a deserved opportunity

Stresses that the chance is earned or merited.

a level playing field

Implies equality and fairness of opportunity.

a fair shake

An informal idiom expressing a fair opportunity or treatment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a proper chance" to emphasize that someone should be given adequate time, resources, or conditions to succeed or be fairly evaluated. Example: "The new policy aims to give every student "a proper chance" to excel."

What are some alternatives to "a proper chance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a fair opportunity", "a legitimate opportunity", or "an adequate opportunity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean to give someone "a proper chance"?

Giving someone "a proper chance" means providing them with the necessary resources, time, and support to succeed or demonstrate their abilities fairly. It implies addressing any disadvantages they might face.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "a proper chance"?

The phrase "a proper chance" is appropriate in situations where you want to advocate for fairness, equal opportunities, or the provision of necessary resources. It's often used in discussions about education, employment, and justice.