non zero chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "non zero chance" is correct and usable in written English, although it is more commonly written as "non-zero chance." You can use it to express that there is a possibility, however small, of something happening.
Example: "Despite the odds, there is still a non-zero chance that we could win the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Using the parameter estimates from the mobility regression, a linear projection would imply that a paid employee would have zero chance, assuming non-negative probability, of exiting his current job for any other employment state but unemployment.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

(Indeed, it has zero chance even on most non-standard views of probability: Williamson 2007).

SEP

And Damon apparently has zero chance.

The New York Times - Sports

Non mihi, non tibi, sed nobis.

The Guardian - Opinion

After all, Lyle told ABC, he had been told that there was a one in five million chance for patients to find a match in a non-family member.

Huffington Post

Give me one chance.

The New York Times - Sports

Not even one chance.

The New York Times - Sports

Because they get one chance.

Independent

This is their one chance.

The New York Times

That was my one chance.

Independent

"This is our one chance".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "non zero chance", consider your audience and the context. In formal or technical writing, it's appropriate, but in more casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "some chance" or "slight possibility" might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "non zero chance" in everyday conversation. Overly formal language can sound unnatural or pretentious in informal settings. Opt for simpler expressions when communicating with a general audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "non zero chance" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the possibility of something occurring is greater than zero. It is typically used to acknowledge a possibility, even if it's remote.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "non zero chance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express that there's a possibility, however small, of something occurring. While accurate, it leans towards formality and is most appropriate in scientific, technical, or formal writing. For everyday conversation, simpler alternatives such as "some chance" or "slight possibility" are usually preferred. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability, though its infrequent use suggests considering context and audience when selecting this particular wording. Be mindful of overusing it in informal settings, where it can sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight possibility

Emphasizes the smallness of the chance.

small likelihood

Replaces "chance" with "likelihood", maintaining a similar level of formality.

some chance

A more common and less formal way of expressing the same idea.

finite possibility

Highlights that the possibility exists within defined limits.

real prospect

Suggests a more tangible and potentially achievable possibility.

non-negligible probability

A more technical and formal alternative, often used in statistical contexts.

conceivable possibility

Emphasizes that the possibility is imaginable or thinkable.

outside chance

Indicates that the possibility is remote or unlikely.

fighting chance

Suggests that success is possible but requires effort and determination.

a glimmer of hope

Focuses on the positive aspect of a small chance, emphasizing hope.

FAQs

What does "non zero chance" mean?

The phrase "non zero chance" means that there is some possibility, however small, of something happening. It indicates that the probability of an event is greater than zero.

Is it better to say "non zero chance" or "some chance"?

The choice between "non zero chance" and "some chance" depends on the context. "Non zero chance" is more formal and often used in technical or scientific writing, while "some chance" is more common in everyday language.

What are some alternatives to "non zero chance"?

Alternatives to "non zero chance" include "slight possibility", "small likelihood", "finite possibility", and "outside chance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "non zero chance" in a sentence?

You can use "non zero chance" to indicate that there is a possibility, however small, of something occurring. For example, "Despite the long odds, there's still a non-zero chance that we could win."