a small chance

USAGE SUMMARY

'a small chance' is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various ways, such as: 1. As a subject complement: "There is still a small chance that we can win the game." 2. As an object complement: "She gave him a small chance of redeeming himself." 3. As an adjective phrase modifying a noun: "He took a small chance and applied for the job." 4. As an adverbial phrase indicating possibility: "I'm willing to take a small chance on this venture." Example sentence: "Despite the odds, there is always a small chance of success if we keep trying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There is only a small chance.

The Washington Post

Yet it has only a small chance of passing.

The Economist

There is a small chance of a late afternoon thunderstorm.

The New York Times

If you write about it, there's a small chance.

The Guardian

"Basically, they have a small chance of an event.

The New York Times

It's a small chance, but Sir Nicholas has considered it.

The Guardian

Maybe it's a small chance, a small possibility.

The New York Times

There is a small chance that will happen.

The New York Times - Sports

There's a small chance that ROM tests will pick up an addressing problem.

The Firmware Handbook

There is a small chance that Capriles could pull off the upset.

The New Yorker

Always assume that there's a small chance that I am wrong about everything.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small chance" when you want to acknowledge a possibility, however unlikely, rather than dismissing it entirely. It conveys a sense of realism and manages expectations.

Common error

Avoid phrases that imply absolute certainty (e.g., "no possibility", "impossible") when "a small chance" actually remains. Acknowledging even a minimal possibility adds nuance and credibility to your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small chance" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject complement in sentences expressing probability or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. For example, "There is a small chance that it will rain." This usage indicates a low, but non-zero, likelihood of an event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small chance" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that effectively communicates a low probability or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms it's a grammatically sound and widely accepted expression. Predominantly found in news and media, scientific writing, and general knowledge sources, it suits both formal and informal contexts. When writing, it's best practice to use this phrase when you wish to acknowledge that an event is unlikely but not impossible, avoiding absolute statements that might misrepresent the situation. Alternatives like "a slight possibility" or "a slim hope" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight possibility

Emphasizes the minimal degree of possibility.

a remote possibility

Highlights the unlikelihood of the event occurring.

a slim hope

Focuses on the faintness of the hope or expectation.

a negligible probability

Stresses the insignificance of the chance.

a faint prospect

Indicates a barely visible or discernible prospect.

a minimal likelihood

Underscores the very low degree of likelihood.

a long shot

Describes a situation with very low odds of success.

an outside chance

Suggests the possibility exists but is not favored.

a shadow of a chance

Emphasizes how little chance there actually is.

a limited opportunity

Highlights that the option or chance is very restricted.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small chance" to indicate that something is unlikely but still possible. For example: "There is "a small chance" of rain tomorrow", or "He has "a small chance" of winning the lottery".

What are some alternatives to "a small chance"?

Alternatives include "a slight possibility", "a remote possibility", or "a slim hope". Each conveys a similar meaning of low probability.

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

Both "a small chance" and "a tiny chance" are acceptable, but "a small chance" is more commonly used. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey; "tiny" emphasizes even greater insignificance.

When is it appropriate to use "a small chance" in writing?

Use "a small chance" when you need to acknowledge that something is possible, even if it's not probable. It's suitable for situations where you want to avoid being overly optimistic or pessimistic and present a balanced view.