a remote chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a remote chance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very small likelihood of something happening. Example: "There is a remote chance that it might rain tomorrow, but the forecast looks clear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No other contender to lead the Fed stands even a remote chance of being confirmed.

The New York Times

Seems like ancient history, with a remote chance of repeating soon.

The New York Times - Sports

Singh (five under) and Love (four under) have only a remote chance to win Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think there is still a remote chance," he added, but "obviously something is going on.

The New York Times

From a legal perspective, experts say, the lawsuit has a remote chance of success.

The Guardian

There was never a remote chance of Marshall's suggestion being taken seriously, he added.

The Guardian

There is only a remote chance that the two teams would meet in a later round.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a chance, albeit a remote chance, that Macao may succeed.

The New York Times - Travel

"He knows that if he doesn't fix New York State, he won't have even a remote chance of being president.

The New York Times

That play would usually result in defeat by several additional tricks, and had only a remote chance of success.

The New York Times - Arts

William McKeever, an analyst at PaineWebber Securities, said there was only a remote chance that another bidder would emerge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "a remote chance" with quantifying adverbs such as "only", "just", or "merely" to further emphasize the limited probability. This helps to fine-tune the degree of uncertainty you wish to express.

Common error

Avoid using "a remote chance" when the event is definitively impossible. It suggests a slight possibility, even if minimal, so reserve it for situations where there's still a theoretical chance, however unlikely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a remote chance" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence, or as part of a prepositional phrase. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows numerous examples where it signifies a very small possibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Sports

21%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

14%

Wiki

9%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a remote chance" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a low probability or possibility. According to Ludwig, this phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Sports, and Business contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Related phrases include "a slim chance" and "a slight possibility". When using "a remote chance", ensure it aligns with the intended level of improbability, as it implies a possibility still exists, however small. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and widely applicable in various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slim chance

Emphasizes the smallness of the probability.

a slight possibility

Highlights the potential for something to happen, however unlikely.

a small likelihood

Focuses on the low probability of an event.

a faint hope

Suggests a minimal level of optimism.

a negligible probability

Indicates the probability is so small it's almost nonexistent.

a snowball's chance in hell

An idiomatic expression indicating virtually no chance at all.

a long shot

Implies a low probability of success.

an outside chance

Suggests the possibility exists, but is very unlikely.

a theoretical possibility

Highlights that the chance exists more in theory than in practice.

a prayer

Indicates that the only hope is divine intervention, suggesting low odds otherwise.

FAQs

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

Use "a remote chance" to indicate a very small possibility or likelihood of something happening. For example, "There's "a remote chance" that the game will be cancelled due to weather, but it's expected to clear up soon."

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

You can use phrases like "a slim chance", "a slight possibility", or "a negligible probability" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "a remote chance" in formal writing?

Yes, "a remote chance" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly and professionally conveys a low probability. However, consider using "a slight possibility" or "a negligible probability" for an even more formal tone.

What's the difference between "a remote chance" and "no chance"?

"A remote chance" implies that there is still a possibility, however unlikely, whereas "no chance" indicates that something is completely impossible. For example, if someone says "There's "a remote chance" of winning the lottery", they acknowledge the possibility, however small. If they say "There's no chance of winning the lottery", they believe it is impossible.