bad chances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'bad chances' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the likelihood of something failing or not going as planned. For example: "The odds of success seemed low - there were too many bad chances against us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"If you tell your average 9-year-old that all people from this part of the world are bad, chances are they're not going to buy it," said Mr. Smith-Stevens, now 18.

The New York Times

Others followed and were almost as bad; chances for Espanyol to make it 2-0 atd, at 1-1, to go back in the lead; even chances to equalise at 2-1 down.

The Guardian - Sport

"If it did something bad, chances are it's in here," says Haynes in the trailer.

TechCrunch

If you're on a sales team that feels bad, chances are you won't be achieving your quota because your motivation and creativity is low.

Forbes

Looking at those individuals who are not employed in a given period and who actually find a job the subsequent year, we find that those who declare to had bad or very bad chances of getting a job in Spain are more likely to become self-employed.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

That was actually not a bad chance.

The Guardian - Sport

"A guy that talented coming off the bench, it's not a bad chance to take," D'Antoni said.... David Lee had 17 points and 11 rebounds, his 22nd consecutive double-double.

The New York Times - Sports

For someone devoted to risk reduction, this is a bad chance to take.

Huffington Post

Other models of cancer were put forward, with causes including bad luck, chance, family history and smoking.

British Journal of Cancer

More tornadoes means more chances for bad luck.

The New York Times - Science

It's really bad luck, but the chances of something else happening are far greater.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bad chances", consider the context and whether a more specific phrase might convey the nuance more effectively. For example, "slim odds" might be better when discussing probability.

Common error

While "bad chances" is acceptable in general writing, it might sound too informal for academic or business reports. Consider using phrases like "limited prospects" or "unfavorable conditions" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad chances" functions as a noun phrase, where "bad" modifies the noun "chances". It describes a situation where the possibilities of a favorable outcome are limited or unfavorable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bad chances" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe unfavorable or slim possibilities. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. While acceptable in various contexts, including news and general discussions, more formal alternatives like "limited prospects" or "unfavorable conditions" might be preferred in academic or business settings. Remember to use more specific phrases to better convey nuance and context in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim odds

Focuses on the low probability of success.

poor prospects

Emphasizes a negative outlook for the future.

bleak outlook

Highlights the pessimistic nature of the situation.

unfavorable circumstances

Shifts focus to the negative conditions affecting the situation.

long shot

Indicates a low probability of success, suggesting a risky attempt.

remote possibility

Stresses the unlikelihood of the event occurring.

unlikely outcome

Focuses on the improbability of a positive result.

adverse conditions

Highlights the opposing factors hindering success.

risky bet

Emphasizes the potential for loss or failure.

doubtful prospects

Suggests a lack of confidence in a positive outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "bad chances" in a sentence?

You can use "bad chances" to describe situations where the likelihood of success is low, such as, "Despite their efforts, they faced "bad chances" of winning the competition".

What are some alternatives to saying "bad chances"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "slim odds", "poor prospects", or "bleak outlook".

Is it ever appropriate to use "bad chances" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "bad chances" might be perceived as informal. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "limited opportunities" or "unfavorable circumstances".

What's the difference between "bad chances" and "bad luck"?

"Bad chances" refers to low probability or unfavorable circumstances, while "bad luck" refers to unfortunate or random events. "Bad chances" implies a foreseeable difficulty, while "bad luck" suggests an unpredictable misfortune.