a swift chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a swift chance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an opportunity that is quick or fleeting, often implying that one should act quickly to take advantage of it. Example: "When the job opening was posted, I knew I had to apply immediately; it was a swift chance that might not come around again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Jonjo O'Neill, the early leader in this year's title race, took the feature race at Cheltenham's Open meeting last weekend but the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday gives Henderson a swift chance to call and raise.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He thinks India squandered the chance for a swift military reprisal.

The Economist

"Abramovich may see the chance of a swift sale of his Yukos-Sibneft stake to Exxon Mobil receding as Khodorkovsky's troubles overwhelm the company," said Stephen O'Sullivan, an oil and gas analyst with the United Financial Group, a Moscow investment bank.

The New York Times

Randolph made a good save from Russell's low shot, while Daly also missed a good chance after a swift United breakaway.

BBC

Britain had begun the deployment of troops from elsewhere in the Empire, and Kruger and Smuts felt that from a military standpoint the Boers' only chance was a swift pre-emptive strike, but Steyn was anxious that they not be seen as the aggressors, and held that they should delay until there was absolutely no hope of peace.

Wikipedia

Giving a lame excuse like "the sun hurts my eyes" and "I can't see the board" has a chance for a swift no.

WikiHow

But speaking to the Times, Mandelson said anyone who tried to take Labour back to the era before Blair's election as leader in 1994 would wreck the party's chances of a swift return to power.

The Guardian

No doubt entirely coincidentally, the very next day a group of former allies and foes of Mr Thaksin launched Ruam Jai Thai (Thai Unity), a new party that "would not be unfriendly to the military", as one put it.Mr Thaksin's chances of a swift return to power have been badly dented by the legal moves against him.

The Economist

Sherwood had hoped Monday's 5-1 drubbing of Sunderland would spark a revival in fortunes but chances of a swift response were blown when Adebayor's low penalty was easily saved by Ben Foster, after Rose was upended by Amalfitano.

BBC

Some in the party have urged a swift contest to deny the Tories a chance to define the wider political agenda, but others – including Tristram Hunt, a potential candidate – have urged a longer period of reflection.

The Guardian

Conscious that a swift run-chase would be key to England's chances of reaching the final, Wyatt and Edwards raced after the target, with Wyatt peppering the off-side boundary.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a swift chance", consider the context and ensure that the speed and brevity of the opportunity are relevant to the message you are conveying. For instance, it's fitting when discussing time-sensitive offers or rapidly changing situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a swift chance" when a more general term like "opportunity" or "possibility" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive or forced, especially if the speed of the chance isn't a key factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a swift chance" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific type of opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in English. The adjective "swift" modifies the noun "chance", emphasizing the speed and fleeting nature of the opportunity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a swift chance" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in English, signifying an opportunity that is characterized by speed and brevity. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct, and the examined examples showcase its usage in contexts ranging from news and media to general writing. While not exceedingly common, it's more frequent in news-related contexts. When employing "a swift chance", it's crucial to ensure that the element of speed is relevant to the message. Alternatives like ""a rapid opportunity"" or ""a fleeting opportunity"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you're aiming to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rapid opportunity

Emphasizes the speed at which the opportunity arises.

a quick break

Focuses on the brevity and suddenness of the opportunity.

a fleeting opportunity

Highlights the short duration and potential transience of the chance.

a prompt occasion

Stresses the immediacy and timeliness of the event.

a timely moment

Indicates that the opportunity is happening at the most opportune time.

a speedy opening

Similar to rapid opportunity but replaces the word with opening.

an immediate prospect

Conveys that the possibility is available right now.

a fast track

Implies a faster, often easier, way to achieve something.

a golden opportunity

Highlights a chance not to be missed, great in value.

a lucky break

Suggests the opportunity is due to good fortune.

FAQs

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

You can use "a swift chance" to describe an opportunity that appears quickly and might not last long. For example: "The company's stock dipped briefly, offering investors "a swift chance" to buy low."

What are some alternatives to "a swift chance"?

Some alternatives to "a swift chance" include "a rapid opportunity", "a fleeting opportunity", or "a quick break", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a swift chance" formal or informal?

"A swift chance" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although in highly formal settings, you might consider a more sophisticated alternative like "a propitious moment" or "an expeditious opportunity".

When is it best to use "a swift chance" versus "a good opportunity"?

Use "a swift chance" when the speed or brief availability of the opportunity is a key aspect. If the speed is not particularly relevant, "a good opportunity" is often more appropriate.