is a slim chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a slim chance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that there is a low probability of something happening. Example: "There is a slim chance that it will rain tomorrow, so we should plan our picnic as scheduled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

There is a slim chance that it might not.

The Economist

Although there is a slim chance of recurrence after 10 years, they are considered effectively cured.

The Guardian

This time, there is a slim chance the choice of running mate could actually make a difference.

The Economist

"Deadwood" has not been renewed for a fourth season, though there is a slim chance that it will return.

The New Yorker

It is a slim chance full of risks, but probably Greece's best chance of avoiding the drachma.

The New York Times

There is a slim chance you'll see a Russian woman clad in full-on Versace, as the Western cliché goes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

But there's a slim chance that they might.

The Guardian - Books

There's a slim chance that there's some cocker-spaniel hair in this product.

The New Yorker

There's a slim chance that Breyer might want to do the same.

The Guardian

Ray said that they should go to the mill at once — there was a slim chance she might be there.

The New Yorker

There's a slim chance they're right, but gambling our future on that slim possibility would be humanity's greatest-ever risk management failure.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen your writing, follow "is a slim chance" with a reason or explanation for why the chance is so low. This will give your reader more context about the probability.

Common error

Avoid using "is a slim chance" when there is absolutely no possibility of something happening. This phrase implies that there is at least some degree of possibility, no matter how small.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a slim chance" functions as an existential clause combined with a descriptive adjective. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses the presence of a possibility, albeit a small one. It modifies the noun "chance" indicating its low probability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a slim chance" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that indicates a low probability of something occurring. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in English writing. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with some presence in academic and scientific fields. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the implied low probability, and consider providing an explanation for why the chance is so small.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a slight possibility

Replaces "chance" with "possibility" and "slim" with "slight", maintaining a similar degree of improbability.

is a remote possibility

Substitutes "slim" with "remote" emphasizing the unlikelihood of the event.

is a small chance

Uses "small" instead of "slim", providing a more direct synonym.

is a faint hope

Emphasizes the element of hope, but acknowledges its weakness.

is an outside chance

Indicates that the chance exists but is not very probable.

is a negligible probability

Replaces "chance" with the more formal "probability" and uses "negligible" to highlight the insignificance.

is a long shot

Uses an idiom to express a low chance of success.

is barely possible

Focuses on the possibility aspect, emphasizing how close it is to being impossible.

is an unlikely prospect

Highlights the unlikelihood of the event occurring.

is a shadow of a chance

Uses "shadow" to illustrate how insignificant the chance is.

FAQs

How can I use "is a slim chance" in a sentence?

You can use "is a slim chance" to indicate a low probability of something occurring. For example, "There "is a slim chance" that the project will be completed on time due to unforeseen delays."

What are some alternatives to "is a slim chance"?

Alternatives include "is a slight possibility", "is a remote possibility", or "is a small chance", all of which convey a similar meaning of low likelihood.

Is it appropriate to use "is a slim chance" in formal writing?

Yes, "is a slim chance" is appropriate for formal writing. Although it is also common in more casual settings, it can be used in reports, articles, and other professional content.

What's the difference between "is a slim chance" and "is no chance"?

"Is a slim chance" indicates that there is still a small possibility, however unlikely, while "is no chance" means that there is absolutely no possibility at all. They are opposites in meaning.