a reasonable chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable chance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood of a particular outcome or event occurring. Example: "There is a reasonable chance that we will finish the project ahead of schedule if everyone stays focused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Babbage thinks they have a reasonable chance of success.

The Economist

He needed to put his approach shot onto the green to have a reasonable chance of another birdie and a reasonable chance of playing on the weekend.

The New York Times - Sports

There's a reasonable chance your knee will not feel completely "normal" afterwards.

Harvard University

I had a reasonable chance going into the last nine holes to catch those guys.

The New York Times

JEFFREY GOLDBERG: I think the Democrats have a reasonable chance of regaining the House.

The New Yorker

He sees a reasonable chance of the legislation being watered down.

The Economist

But there remains a reasonable chance the merger will go through.

The New York Times

By the same token, the Americans should give this new resolution a reasonable chance to succeed.

The Economist

He believes it has a "reasonable chance" of lasting for the five-year parliament.

Independent

"We thought there was a reasonable chance of getting through this," he recalled.

The New York Times

Virginia, however, is the one Southern state that Mr. Obama has a reasonable chance of winning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reasonable chance", ensure the context clearly indicates what the chance pertains to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the outcome or event in question.

Common error

Avoid using "a reasonable chance" when the probability is very high or virtually certain. In such cases, stronger terms like "certainty" or "high probability" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable chance" functions as a noun phrase that quantifies the likelihood of an event or outcome. It expresses a moderate degree of possibility, suggesting that the event is neither certain nor impossible. As per Ludwig, it's correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

17%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable chance" is a versatile phrase used to express a moderate level of possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It functions as a noun phrase, communicating the probability of an event with neutral formality. While very common in news and media, it also appears in academic and scientific contexts. When writing, it's important to clearly define what "a reasonable chance" refers to and to avoid using it in situations where the outcome is highly certain. Alternatives like "a good possibility" or "a realistic prospect" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a realistic prospect

Focuses on the achievability and practicality of the potential outcome.

a distinct possibility

Highlights the noteworthiness and obviousness of the potential outcome.

a good possibility

Emphasizes the positive aspect of the possibility, implying a higher likelihood of success.

a strong likelihood

Emphasizes the robustness and high probability of the potential outcome.

a plausible scenario

Emphasizes the believability and credibility of the potential situation.

a viable possibility

Focuses on the workability and feasibility of the potential outcome.

a fair prospect

Suggests an unbiased or equitable outlook on the potential outcome.

a credible likelihood

Highlights the trustworthiness and dependability of the predicted outcome.

a solid opportunity

Highlights the advantageous nature of the situation, focusing on the potential benefits.

a tangible prospect

Suggests that the potential outcome is concrete and readily apparent.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reasonable chance" to express that there's a moderate possibility of something happening. For instance, "There's "a reasonable chance" the project will be completed on time if we allocate more resources."

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

Alternatives include "a good possibility", "a fair prospect", or "a realistic prospect". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a reasonable chance of success"?

Yes, "a reasonable chance of success" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It indicates that there is a moderate likelihood that an endeavor will be successful.

What's the difference between "a reasonable chance" and "a high probability"?

"A reasonable chance" implies a moderate likelihood, whereas "a high probability" suggests a much stronger likelihood of something occurring. The choice depends on the degree of certainty you wish to convey.