outside shot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outside shot" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a chance or possibility that is unlikely to happen. An example is: "Winning the lottery is an outside shot, but I bought a ticket anyway." Alternative expressions include "long shot" and "remote chance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's got an outside shot.

The New Yorker

It's an outside shot.

The New Yorker

Maybe go for an outside shot.

The New Yorker

Birdman, with an outside shot for Whiplash.

The Guardian - Film

His outside shot is suspect.

The New York Times - Sports

"My weakness is my outside shot.

The New York Times - Sports

Brook Lopez's outside shot appears to develop in several stages.

The New York Times - Sports

A better outside shot would make him extremely dangerous.

The New York Times - Sports

OUTSIDE SHOT: Big Dreams, Hard Times, and One County's Quest for Basketball Greatness, by Keith O'Brien.

The New York Times - Books

Theodore said the 6-foot-6 Edwin was a center then, with a suspect outside shot.

The New York Times - Sports

Kalana had a great midrange game, but she had to develop a consistent outside shot.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports writing, distinguish between the idiomatic 'chance of winning' and the literal 'shot from the perimeter' to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "outside shot" in formal technical reports where "remote probability" or "low-likelihood event" would be more precise. Furthermore, ensure that in a cinematic context, you do not confuse it with an "establishing shot", which has a specific structural purpose regardless of whether it is outdoors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outside shot" primarily functions as a compound noun or noun phrase. In idiomatic usage, it typically serves as the direct object of the verb 'to have'. According to Ludwig AI, it is structurally standard and functions to quantify a level of probability or describe a specific physical action in sports or cinematography.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Sports Journalism

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "outside shot" is a highly versatile and correct English phrase that performs double duty in the language. As a metaphor, it is an essential tool for discussing remote possibilities and 'long shots' in politics, weather, and general life. Literally, it remains a staple of sports terminology, particularly in basketball and soccer, to describe attempts made from a distance. Ludwig AI confirms its high frequency in reputable media, suggesting that it is a safe and effective choice for writers looking to add nuance to discussions of probability or athletic performance. Whether you are describing a political underdog's chances or a player's technical skill, this phrase provides a clear and idiomatic way to express those concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long shot

Most direct idiomatic equivalent for an unlikely outcome.

off chance

Used when referring to a slight or remote possibility.

remote possibility

More formal way to describe a low-probability event.

slim chance

Focuses on the narrow likelihood of success.

unlikely outcome

A literal, descriptive alternative for the idiomatic sense.

perimeter shot

Used specifically in basketball contexts to replace the literal meaning.

exterior shot

The technical term used in film and photography for a view of the outside.

dark horse

Refers to a candidate or competitor with an unlikely chance of winning.

fighting chance

Implies a low but still viable possibility of success.

distant try

A literal description of a physical attempt from far away.

FAQs

How to use "outside shot" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a small chance, for example: "The team has an outside shot at making the playoffs if they win their next three games."

What can I say instead of "outside shot"?

Depending on your meaning, you can use "long shot", "slim chance", or "remote possibility".

Which is correct, "outside shot" or "long shot"?

Both are correct and largely interchangeable when referring to a low probability. "long shot" is slightly more common in general conversation, while "outside shot" is very frequent in sports journalism.

What is the difference between "outside shot" and "outshot"?

The phrase "outside shot" is a noun describing a chance or a type of attempt, whereas "outshot" is a verb meaning to have taken more shots than an opponent.