minimize the chances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minimize the chances" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing strategies or actions aimed at reducing the likelihood of a particular outcome or event. Example: "To ensure a successful project, we need to minimize the chances of any delays in the timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It does minimize the chances for it happening".

The New York Times - Sports

Thus, it would seem prudent to minimize the chances of such a problem even arising.

The New York Times

It's printed just before each race to minimize the chances of counterfeiting.

The New Yorker

"But if we are smart, prepared and thorough, we can minimize the chances of a terrorist attack.

The New York Times

Fourth, we need to minimize the chances that any action we may take in Iraq will destabilize the region.

The New York Times

It also added a stainless steel box to encase the batteries and minimize the chances of a fire.

The New York Times

To minimize the chances of being caught as fakes, they were mixed in with real catalytic converters.

The New York Times

He supported big paydays for bankers and derided some of the U.S. government's proposed reforms designed to minimize the chances of another financial crisis.

The Guardian - Business

But Mr. McCain and his aides took several steps to minimize the chances that some would interpret his words as an attack on all Christian fundamentalists.

The New York Times

The profit forecasts allow stores to set reasonable expectations for investors, and minimize the chances for surprises, which Wall Street tends to dislike.

The New York Times

In the last decade, major manufacturers like Exide Technologies have developed an infrastructure to minimize the chances of discarded batteries ending up in landfills.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "minimize the chances" to frame proactive steps. This helps position your writing positively, emphasizing prevention rather than simply reacting to problems.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "minimize the chances" without providing specific details. Readers may find this vague or unconvincing without concrete examples of how the chances are being minimized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minimize the chances" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intent. It typically introduces a clause that explains the reason for taking a specific action. Ludwig confirms its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "minimize the chances" is a versatile phrase used to express the intent of reducing the likelihood of a specific event, widely applicable across various contexts. As indicated by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and common usage make it a reliable choice in writing. While alternatives like "reduce the likelihood" and "mitigate the risk" offer nuanced variations, "minimize the chances" remains a straightforward and effective way to convey proactive measures for risk reduction. To maximize clarity and impact, ensure to provide specific context around the actions taken. This phrase is found most often in News & Media and Science, and should be considered neutral in register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce the likelihood

This alternative directly replaces "minimize the chances" with a more straightforward expression of reducing probability.

lessen the probability

This phrase substitutes "minimize" with "lessen" and "chances" with "probability", maintaining a similar formal tone.

mitigate the risk

This option uses business-oriented language, replacing "chances" with "risk" focusing on the action of mitigating potential hazards.

diminish the possibility

This alternative uses "diminish" instead of "minimize" and "possibility" instead of "chances", keeping the meaning close to the original.

curtail the odds

This option substitutes "minimize" with "curtail" and "chances" with "odds", offering a slightly less formal tone.

lower the potential

This phrase uses a more direct approach, replacing "minimize the chances" with an expression of lowering potential occurrences.

decrease the incidence

This alternative uses the term "incidence", and is best suited to talk about occurrences of something.

reduce the prospect

This replacement provides a slight shift in focus towards the anticipation of something happening.

keep something at bay

This idiomatic alternative means to prevent something from approaching or affecting you.

avert the danger

This option focuses more on preventing a specific threat or hazard.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "minimize the chances" in a formal context?

In formal settings, you can replace "minimize the chances" with alternatives like "reduce the likelihood", "lessen the probability", or "mitigate the risk".

Is it always appropriate to use "minimize the chances" in writing?

While "minimize the chances" is generally correct, ensure that the context is appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "diminish the possibility" or "reduce the prospect".

What's the difference between "minimize the chances" and "eliminate the chances"?

"Minimize the chances" implies reducing the likelihood of something, while "eliminate the chances" suggests completely removing the possibility. The choice depends on whether complete prevention is feasible or just a reduction in risk is intended.

How do I use "minimize the chances" effectively in a sentence?

To use "minimize the chances" effectively, provide context about what actions are being taken to reduce the likelihood of a specific outcome. For example, "Implementing these safety protocols will "minimize the chances" of accidents in the workplace".