low chances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low chances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the likelihood of something happening is minimal. Example: "There are low chances of rain tomorrow, so we can go ahead with our picnic plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Conversely, if melting momentum is low, chances of new September records are minimal, unless weather conditions during July and August favour huge losses.

The Guardian

For all that, astute Iranians are sadly aware that the president's words can only reduce the already low chances of success in nuclear talks between Iran and the European trio.

The Economist

"If older people and their families knew all that was involved, the manipulation, the tubes, the drugs and the low chances for a good outcome, they'd opt for comfort care instead," Dr. Davis said.

The New York Times

Richard Cohen, the president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, which provided the F.B.I. with some possible cases, recalled some unease at the time about publicizing so many cases with very low chances of resolution.

The New York Times

So put together the low chances of a Tory majority, and the lower chances of Lib Dems forming another coalition with the Tories, and you can see why Steve may be right.

Independent

Eduardo Giannetti da Fonseca, a Brazilian writer, described such behavior as a definition of hope, and wrote of the value of self-deceit for a writer, "Much of the strength of a creative artist who can continue his work, despite all frustrations, may come from... a belief with very low chances of becoming true".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"I have a very low chance of becoming obese," Ms. Trump said.

The New York Times

That was a difficult low chance, although by 2013 standards it maybe should have taken.

The Guardian - Sport

Jeffrey said the results demonstrated a relatively low chance of infection.

The New York Times

"There is a low chance they are placed, and a lot of times they are euthanized".

The New York Times - Sports

McCallum said Gittany showed no remorse and had a low chance of rehabilitation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing statistical probabilities or outcomes, use "low chances" to clearly convey a reduced likelihood of a specific event occurring. For emphasis, consider quantifying the chances (e.g., "a 10% chance").

Common error

Avoid treating situations with "low chances" as impossible. While the probability is reduced, the event can still occur. Recognize and articulate the possibility, however small, to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low chances" functions as a noun phrase, where "low" is an adjective modifying the noun "chances". It quantifies the probability of an event occurring, indicating that the likelihood is small. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "low chances" is a versatile expression used to indicate a minimal likelihood of a specific event occurring. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and appropriate for diverse contexts. It functions as a noun phrase, communicating a sense of pessimism or doubt about an outcome. While commonly found in both "News & Media" and "Science", it's essential to avoid misinterpreting "low chances" as impossible, as a reduced probability doesn't eliminate the possibility entirely. Instead of only using "low chances", consider using alternatives like "slim possibility" or "remote likelihood" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced probability

Replaces "chances" with the more formal term "probability" and uses "reduced" to indicate a decrease.

slim possibility

Replaces "chances" with "possibility" and uses the adjective "slim" to indicate a low probability.

remote likelihood

Substitutes "chances" with "likelihood" and uses "remote" to emphasize the improbability.

poor odds

Uses the term "odds" to convey a low probability of success.

meager prospect

Replaces "chances" with "prospect" and uses "meager" to indicate a small possibility.

unlikely scenario

Shifts the focus to the "scenario" being unlikely, implying low chances of it occurring.

small prospect

Emphasizes a very limited expectation, by replacing the noun and the adjective.

slight hope

Focuses on the element of "hope" being small, rather than "chances".

minimal opportunity

Emphasizes the lack of "opportunity" instead of "chances".

limited potential

Focuses on the "potential" being limited, implying a low chance of something happening.

FAQs

How can I use "low chances" in a sentence?

You can use "low chances" to describe situations where the likelihood of something happening is minimal. For example: "There are "low chances" of rain today" or "The surgery has "low chances" of success".

What can I say instead of "low chances"?

Alternatives to "low chances" include "slim possibility", "remote likelihood", or "meager prospect". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "reduced probability" instead of "low chances"?

Yes, "reduced probability" is generally more formal than "low chances". It's suitable for academic or technical writing, while "low chances" is appropriate for more general communication. Also consider "minimal opportunity", "poor odds" and "limited potential".

How do I quantify "low chances" to make my writing more precise?

Instead of just saying "low chances", consider using percentages or fractions to quantify the probability. For example, you could say "a 10% chance" or "a one-in-a-million chance" to provide a clearer understanding of the risk or likelihood.