having a chance

USAGE SUMMARY

"having a chance" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is often used to describe a situation or opportunity that may exist or arise. For example: "By studying hard for the exam, I'm giving myself a chance to get a top grade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Team Europe, of course, is all about having a chance.

The Guardian

No one's even come close to having a chance.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's having a chance to go to the postseason, having a chance to go to the World Series.

The New York Times - Sports

We got robbed of having a chance to run our race, which was pretty depressing".

The New York Times - Sports

There's a lot of really good players that are going to be there having a chance".

Independent

Also, I always enjoy having a chance to mention Grover Cleveland.

The New York Times

I'm tired of not even having a chance of making it.

The New York Times - Sports

True, but that meant not having a chance to speak with you.

The New York Times

The odds of having a chance encounter with rationality in today's Senate are vanishingly small.

The New Yorker

Ms. Albright seemed to enjoy having a chance to jump into the fray.

The New York Times

Ministers in Athens talk of having a chance, for once, to exceed expectations.Caution is in order.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having a chance" to express potential or opportunity in a concise and accessible way.

Common error

Avoid consistently using passive constructions when you can express the same idea more directly. For instance, instead of "A chance was had by him", write "He had a chance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having a chance" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the state of possessing an opportunity or possibility, as Ludwig AI confirms. It often appears as part of a larger verb phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having a chance" is a very common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to express the existence of an opportunity or possibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to indicate potential, and its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts. While overuse of passive voice should be avoided, the phrase is versatile and valuable in both formal and informal communication, especially within news media. Alternatives such as "getting an opportunity" or "being in a position to" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting an opportunity

Focuses on the act of receiving or obtaining a chance.

being in a position to

Indicates readiness or capability to perform an action.

being presented with an opportunity

Focuses on the act of receiving an opportunity, often unexpectedly.

being afforded an opportunity

Highlights the provision of a chance, often implying a formal setting.

opening the door

Implies creating or enabling an opportunity for oneself or others.

possessing the possibility

Emphasizes the existence of a potential outcome or action.

finding an opening

Suggests discovering or creating a favorable circumstance.

having the option

Stresses the availability of a choice or alternative.

gaining access

Highlights obtaining the means or right to do something.

securing a prospect

Emphasizes the act of ensuring a future possibility.

FAQs

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

"Having a chance" functions as a gerund phrase, often describing a state of possibility or opportunity. For example, "After studying, I felt like I was "having a chance" at passing the test".

What are some alternatives to "having a chance"?

You can use phrases like "getting an opportunity", "being afforded an opportunity", or "being in a position to", depending on the specific context.

Is "having a chance" formal or informal?

"Having a chance" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The appropriateness largely depends on the surrounding language and the specific situation.

What's the difference between "having a chance" and "taking a chance"?

"Having a chance" implies the existence of an opportunity, while "taking a chance" suggests a deliberate decision to act despite potential risks. One describes a state, and the other describes an action.