chances are good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chances are good" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express optimism about a future event, implying that success is more likely than failure. For example, "Chances are good that my team will win the game tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The chances are good.

The Guardian - Tech

The chances are good that they will.

The Economist

His chances are good, Mr. Beaney said.

The New York Times

Chances are good it will forever remain a vaporous dream.

University of California, Berkeley

"Chances are good that I'll make it," Vazquez said.

The New York Times - Sports

Chances are good you've even bought some of it.

The New York Times

"Chances are good that Murali will play," said Bayliss.

The Guardian - Sport

So I think that my chances are good.

The New York Times - Sports

Craig: "Look, our chances are good and bad.

The Guardian

"I think my chances are good for Sunday," Houston said.

The New York Times - Sports

Chances are good that their specific energy can be further improved.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chances are good" to express a positive outlook or expectation, but avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing where more precise language might be preferred.

Common error

While "chances are good" is widely understood, it can sound too informal or colloquial in certain professional or academic settings. Opt for phrases like "it is likely" or "it is probable" for a more suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chances are good" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate a strong probability or likelihood of a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. This phrase serves to offer a positive assessment of future possibilities, suggesting a greater inclination towards success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chances are good" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to indicate a high likelihood or probability of a positive outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. While versatile, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with notable presence in academia and general knowledge articles. For formal or academic writing, consider opting for alternatives such as "it is likely" or "it is probable" to maintain a more professional tone. The phrase carries a neutral to informal register, conveying optimism and reassurance in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is likely

Emphasizes probability but can sometimes sound more formal.

it is probable

More formal and suggests a strong likelihood based on evidence.

it is expected

Implies an anticipation based on past events or common knowledge.

odds are favorable

Uses the language of chance and wagering, suggesting a positive outcome.

it is anticipated

Similar to 'expected' but often used in more formal or official contexts.

prospects are promising

Focuses on the potential for a positive future outcome.

it is foreseeable

Suggests something can be predicted based on current trends or information.

it is predictable

Suggests a high degree of certainty based on established patterns.

it is reasonable to assume

Suggests a conclusion based on logical inference.

it stands to reason

Implies that something is logical or sensible based on available information.

FAQs

What does "chances are good" mean?

The phrase "chances are good" means that something is likely to happen or that there is a strong possibility of a positive outcome.

How can I use "chances are good" in a sentence?

You can use "chances are good" to express optimism about a future event. For example, "If you study hard, "chances are good" you'll pass the exam."

What are some alternatives to "chances are good"?

Alternatives to "chances are good" include "it is likely", "it is probable", or "odds are favorable". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "chances are good" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "chances are good" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives such as "it is likely" or "the probability is high".