certain chance

USAGE SUMMARY

"certain chance" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express a high or definite probability of something happening. For example: - There is a certain chance that it will rain tomorrow. - The doctors said there is a certain chance of the surgery being successful. - Despite the challenges, there is still a certain chance for us to achieve our goal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Army spokeswoman Avital Leibovich said there was "a certain chance" the footage was filmed by journalists, but that most was filmed by activists.

Independent

Because none of the secondary runners will accept a slightly lesser chance of victory, then, they all, collectively, resign themselves to an almost certain chance of defeat.

The New Yorker

Readers will note that none of this works in the banks favor except for the benefits of any delay until some face-saving settlement and a less than certain chance of success on the merits.

The New York Times

"If you have post-traumatic stress disorder, there is a certain chance that you may find meditation too difficult to do, as you may be re-experiencing traumatic memories," Ruths says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Shark diving in Pacific Harbor, a couple of hours' drive from the international airport on Viti Levu, elbowed its way onto my list because it offers a fairly certain chance of seeing what any honest diver will admit to yearn for: lots and lots of big fish.

The New York Times - Travel

I think this is a mistake, and that, in fact, the market has held up fairly well today precisely because investors believe there's a reasonable — though by no means certain — chance that the Treasury Secretary, Henry Paulson, will do what needs to be done, namely get the automakers the loans they need, and avert another Lehman Brothers-scale collapse.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Instead of having children -- though she gained a stepdaughter when she married -- she had jobs: "It was just how my life evolved; I made certain choices, took certain chances.

The New York Times

Later on there are certain chances that present themselves that may necessitate compromise...believe me I've been there!

Huffington Post

He's doing all the things that are right and one thing is certain – if chances come his way, he scores.

Independent

A pan-European YouGov poll conducted on the eve of last year's Eurovision revealed that Brits are most likely to claim that political voting scuppers certain countries' chances of winning.

Independent

Moreover, it did not suddenly arise when some physical particles on a certain planet chanced to come into the right configuration; rather, there has been consciousness in the cosmos from the very beginning of time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain chance" to convey a probability that is not guaranteed but is more than just a possibility. Be specific about what the chance pertains to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "certain chance" when the outcome is either highly improbable or already guaranteed. Using it inaccurately can mislead your audience about the true likelihood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain chance" functions as a qualifier, indicating a degree of probability or likelihood. It modifies a noun, specifying the nature of the prospect. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain chance" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a degree of likelihood that lies between mere possibility and certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, although it appears most frequently in news and scientific publications. Remember to use this phrase when you want to convey that something is likely but not guaranteed and avoid overstating the actual probability. Consider using alternatives like "distinct possibility" or "strong probability" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct possibility

Emphasizes that the chance is noteworthy and clearly defined.

definite possibility

Highlights a clear and unambiguous prospect.

realistic possibility

Focuses on the feasibility and practicality of the chance.

reasonable prospect

Suggests the chance is logical and based on sound reasoning.

credible likelihood

Implies the chance is believable and supported by evidence.

strong probability

Indicates a high degree of chance or likelihood.

notable potential

Highlights the significance and impact of the chance.

tangible opportunity

Refers to an actual, graspable possibility.

foreseeable eventuality

Suggests the chance can be anticipated based on current conditions.

conceivable outcome

Indicates the chance is imaginable or theoretically possible.

FAQs

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

Use "certain chance" to indicate that something is likely but not guaranteed, for example, "There's a "certain chance" that the project will be approved if we meet all the requirements."

What phrases can I use instead of "certain chance"?

You can use alternatives like "distinct possibility", "definite possibility", or "strong probability" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a certain chance" or "certainly chance"?

The correct phrase is "a "certain chance"". "Certainly chance" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "certain chance" and "possible outcome"?

"Certain chance" implies a higher probability than "possible outcome", which suggests a mere theoretical possibility.