even chance

USAGE SUMMARY

"even chance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which two or more events or outcomes have the same likelihood of occurring. For example, "The game was so close that either side had an even chance of winning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

You might even chance across works by Stendhal.

The New York Times - Travel

In the morning hours, he uses headphones so as not to even chance disturbing his neighbors.

The New York Times

Others have said there is "less than an even chance by 2015," a split that persists.

The New York Times

"I'd say Burris has at least an even chance of being seated," Mr. Rose said.

The New York Times

There is a much better than even chance of another rate cut before we are done.

The Guardian - Business

If a Republican wins, he probably still has better than an even chance.

The New York Times

Favorite book: "'An Even Chance in the Race of Life,' about George Henry White.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Cool it, conservatives; we stand a better-than-even chance of winning the tie-breaker.

The New York Times

On the other hand, a close game would give him a better-than-even chance of winning the election.

The New York Times

The outlook remained negative, it said, signaling a better-than-even chance of another cut in the next 18 months.

The New York Times

It seems that an Iraqi stands a better-than-even chance of being granted asylum in Germany, but virtually no chance in Greece.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In political or economic forecasting, the phrase is highly effective for signaling that a situation is too close to call.

Common error

Do not use "even chance" when you actually mean a "fair chance". While they sound similar, "even" specifically refers to the mathematical parity of outcomes (1:1), whereas "fair" refers to the justice or lack of bias in the opportunity itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even chance" functions as a determinative noun phrase used to quantify probability. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently used as the object of the verb "have" or following the linking verb "is", as seen in common constructions like "there is an even chance of success."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Professional

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "even chance" is a robust and highly versatile phrase for describing a 50% likelihood. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a correct and standard expression in English, particularly favored by high-tier publications to navigate topics ranging from political elections to scientific trials. It strikes an ideal balance between clarity and professionalism, making it a safer choice than "50-50" in formal writing. Writers should use "even chance" to denote mathematical parity while ensuring they do not confuse it with phrases describing equity or effort, such as a "fighting chance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

50-50 chance

More informal and colloquial version of the same probability.

equal probability

A more technical and mathematical way to express identical odds.

better than even chance

Specifies that the likelihood is slightly greater than 50%.

balanced odds

Often used in gambling or statistical contexts to describe parity.

coin toss

A metaphorical expression for a situation where outcomes are equally likely.

fighting chance

Suggests a possibility of success, but usually implies an uphill battle rather than exactly 50%.

fair chance

Implies a reasonable opportunity or equitable conditions rather than specific numerical odds.

sporting chance

A British idiom for a reasonable or fair opportunity to succeed.

outside chance

Refers to a remote possibility, much lower than 50%.

slim chance

Indicates a very low probability, serving as a conceptual opposite.

FAQs

What does "even chance" mean in a sentence?

It indicates that an outcome is exactly as likely to happen as not to happen. You could also describe this as a "fifty-fifty chance".

Is "even chance" formal enough for business reports?

Yes, it is considered perfectly professional. For an even more scientific tone, analysts often use "equal probability".

What can I say instead of "even chance"?

Depending on the context, you can use "balanced likelihood", "equal odds", or simply "toss-up".

What is the difference between "even chance" and "better than even chance"?

While "even chance" implies 50/50, "better than even chance" suggests the probability is in your favor, typically over 50%.