a slim chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slim chance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that there is a very low probability of something happening. Example: "There is a slim chance that it will rain tomorrow, so we can go ahead with our picnic plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We've got a slim chance tomorrow".

The New York Times - Sports

But he has a slim chance of winning.

The New York Times

There is a slim chance that it might not.

The Economist

The Wolverines also have a slim chance for that.

The New York Times - Sports

A slim chance of making the Super Six stage.

The Guardian - Sport

But there's a slim chance that they might.

The Guardian - Books

Until it gets one, the world has a slim chance of bringing emissions under control.

The New York Times

Mayweather's opponent is Marcos Maidana, a flinty Argentine who is given a slim chance to win.

The New Yorker

The Falcons still have a slim chance of taking the N.F.C.

The New York Times

There's a slim chance that there's some cocker-spaniel hair in this product.

The New Yorker

The admissible evidence against the second was assessed as offering a slim chance of conviction.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slim chance", consider the context and audience to ensure the phrase conveys the intended level of uncertainty or hope. It is suitable for situations where the possibility is low but not entirely absent.

Common error

Avoid using "a slim chance" when there is absolutely no possibility of something happening. Choose a more definitive phrase like "no chance" or "impossible" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slim chance" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a modifier describing the likelihood of an event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it denotes a low probability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Sport

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slim chance" is a common and grammatically correct English expression used to denote a low probability or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, often in relation to sports, politics, and general events where outcomes are uncertain. While the possibility is small, it is not entirely absent. For situations where the likelihood is even lower or nonexistent, alternative phrases like "no chance" or "impossible" may be more appropriate. When using "a slim chance", be mindful of the audience and ensure the phrase accurately portrays the intended level of uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight possibility

Replaces "chance" with "possibility" and "slim" with "slight", indicating a small likelihood.

a small likelihood

Substitutes "chance" with "likelihood" and "slim" with "small", suggesting a low probability.

a faint hope

Replaces "chance" with "hope" and "slim" with "faint", emphasizing the optimistic aspect of a small possibility.

a remote prospect

Substitutes "chance" with "prospect" and "slim" with "remote", indicating a distant or unlikely possibility.

a negligible probability

Replaces "chance" with "probability" and "slim" with "negligible", highlighting the insignificance of the likelihood.

a minimal opportunity

Substitutes "chance" with "opportunity" and "slim" with "minimal", suggesting a very limited window or occasion.

a rare possibility

Replaces "slim" with "rare", implying an infrequent or uncommon chance.

a long shot

Uses an idiom to express a low probability of success or occurrence.

an outside chance

Emphasizes the unlikelihood of the chance, suggesting it is not a primary expectation.

a snowball's chance in hell

An idiomatic expression conveying near impossibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slim chance" to describe a situation where something is unlikely but still possible. For example, "There's "a slim chance" that the game will be canceled due to weather."

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

Alternatives include "slight possibility", "small likelihood", "faint hope", or "remote prospect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a slim chance" or "a small chance"?

Both "a slim chance" and "a small chance" are acceptable and have similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context. "Slim" might subtly suggest a slightly more improbable scenario than "small".

What is the difference between "a slim chance" and "no chance"?

"A slim chance" indicates that there is a very low probability of something happening, but it is still possible. "No chance", on the other hand, means that there is absolutely no possibility of something occurring.