chance it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chance it" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express the idea of taking a risk or doing something despite the possibility of failure. Example: "I wasn't sure if the weather would hold up, but I decided to chance it and go for a hike anyway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why chance it?

Independent

What a chance it was.

The New York Times - Sports

"Give him a chance," it says.

The New York Times

I didn't want to chance it.

The New York Times

Why would anyone chance it?

The New York Times - Arts

There's a chance it could explode.

The Washington Post

There's a good chance it contains uranium!

The Guardian

The chance, it seemed, was gone.

The Guardian - Sport

There is a chance it could happen.

The New York Times - Sports

"I can't chance it," he said.

The New York Times

Rain easing up; decided to chance it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chance it" when you want to convey the idea of proceeding with something despite the presence of risk or uncertainty. It's suitable for situations where the potential reward outweighs the possible negative consequences.

Common error

While "chance it" is widely understood, it might sound too informal in highly professional or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "take a risk" or "venture it" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chance it" functions as a verb phrase, implying a decision to proceed despite the presence of risk. As Ludwig shows, it encapsulates the act of taking a calculated gamble or hoping for a favorable outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chance it" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys the idea of taking a risk or proceeding with something despite uncertainty. As highlighted by Ludwig, its usage spans from casual conversations to news articles, though it's less common in formal academic or scientific writing. Alternatives include "take a risk" or "give it a shot". While widely accepted, overusing "chance it" in formal contexts can diminish the writing quality. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity, reinforcing its place in everyday English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a risk

A more general term for exposing oneself to potential loss or danger.

take a gamble

Implies a higher degree of risk and uncertainty.

give it a shot

Indicates an attempt with no guarantee of success.

go for it

A more encouraging and enthusiastic way of saying "chance it".

try one's luck

Emphasizes the role of fortune in the outcome.

roll the dice

Emphasizes the random nature of the outcome.

have a go

A British English alternative for attempting something.

take a flier

Suggests a speculative risk with a potentially high reward.

seize the opportunity

Focuses on the positive aspect of taking advantage of a favorable situation.

venture it

A more formal or archaic way of expressing the same idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "chance it" to express the idea of taking a risk. For example, "I wasn't sure if the train would be on time, but I decided to "chance it" and head to the station anyway."

What's a good alternative to "chance it"?

Alternatives include "take a risk", "give it a shot", or "try one's luck", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "chance it"?

"Chance it" is appropriate in informal settings or when discussing a calculated risk where the potential reward justifies the uncertainty. Avoid it in formal or academic writing where more precise language is preferred.

Is "chance it" grammatically correct?

Yes, "chance it" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English.