chances are very thin

USAGE SUMMARY

"chances are very thin" is correct and an acceptable phrase.
You can use this phrase to refer to an unlikely result or outcome. For example: "Chances are very thin that I'll win the lottery, but I still buy tickets every week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

One difference is that twenty years ago after we went upstairs there was some likelihood of our getting the bicycle we wanted; this year the chances are very thin.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I think chances of finding anyone alive are very thin," he said.

Vice

That leads to certain concrete opportunities — the chance to get into flexible electronics, which are very thin electronic components attached to flexible materials.

The New York Times

Some are very thin," said Dr. Khanh.

The New York Times

"We are very thin at the moment.

Independent

"The characters are very thin, there's no real characterisation.

The Guardian - Film

Francis explains that they are very thin chips.

The Guardian

Details are very thin.

TechCrunch

The margins on laptops are very thin.

TechCrunch

Profit margins in the grocery industry are very thin.

Huffington Post

These cells are very thin to improve the gas exchange.

Archives of Toxicology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: While grammatically sound, this phrase might not suit highly formal or technical writing. Opt for "low probability" or "minimal likelihood" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "chances are very thin" when the outcome is definitively impossible. This phrase implies a slight possibility, so reserve it for situations where some hope, however faint, remains.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chances are very thin" functions as an idiomatic expression used to express a low probability or minimal likelihood of a particular event or outcome. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is acceptable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

16%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chances are very thin" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-toned expression used to indicate a low probability of a particular outcome. It is most commonly found in news and media, though Ludwig confirms it is an acceptable phrase across various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you truly mean to express a small but non-zero probability, rather than a definitive impossibility. Alternatives include "slim chance" for a more concise option, or "low probability" for a more formal setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim chance

This alternative is a shorter and more common way to say the same thing, indicating a low probability of something happening.

slight possibility

This alternative focuses on the existence of a possibility, however small, instead of directly addressing chances.

remote chance

This emphasizes how unlikely the chance is by using the word remote.

little likelihood

This phrase uses "likelihood" instead of "chance" to mean the same.

not a snowball's chance in hell

This idiom expresses an extremely low probability of something succeeding.

hardly any prospect

It replaces "chances" with "prospect" emphasizing a lower probability.

virtually impossible

This emphasizes that the event is close to impossible but may have a very low probability.

a long shot

This implies that success is improbable but worth trying for.

low probability

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing that something is unlikely.

faint hope

This emphasizes the weakness of the hope, indicating a small chance of success.

FAQs

How can I use "chances are very thin" in a sentence?

You can use "chances are very thin" to express a low probability of a certain outcome. For example, "Chances are very thin that we'll meet the deadline with the current pace".

What's a more formal way to say "chances are very thin"?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "the "likelihood is minimal"" or "the "probability is low"".

Are "chances are slim" and "chances are very thin" interchangeable?

Yes, "chances are slim" and "chances are very thin" are largely interchangeable, both indicating a low probability. The latter might emphasize the unlikelihood slightly more.

Is it grammatically correct to say "chances are very thin"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms that "chances are very thin" is an acceptable phrase to use.