precious chance

USAGE SUMMARY

'precious chance' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an opportunity that is very valuable to someone. For example: "I was lucky enough to have this precious chance to experience living abroad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It's also a precious chance to hear how they think.

The Washington Post

For young Wolfgang, it would have been a precious chance to see a beloved but often absent figure.

The New York Times

As the ball rolled to the other end of the court, 13th-seeded Murray State's last precious chance for an upset rolled away with it.

The New York Times

And then, my lesson learned, I stopped by again the next morning, before I headed to the airport and lost the precious chance.

The New York Times

There is a precious chance for him to rally his players towards a strong group performance, based on collective commitment rather than the expectation of individual moments.

The Guardian - Sport

For the first year of his life I had barely spent a single night away from him, so it was only natural that I saw this trip as a precious chance to be, however briefly, a sane adult again.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

There seems precious little chance of this generally.

The Guardian - Opinion

The FA also knows there is precious little chance of Terry doing so.

Independent

He had precious little chance to shine during an opening quarter which was one-way traffic in Everton's favour.

Independent

Second time around, Lucas' foul on Ledley happened so quickly that Clattenburg had precious little chance of detecting it.

Independent

His tone is wistful because there is precious little chance he will have the time to climb that mountain.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precious chance" when you want to emphasize the high value or importance of an opportunity, especially one that is rare or may not come again.

Common error

While "precious chance" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "valuable opportunity" or "significant opportunity" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precious chance" functions as a noun phrase, where "precious" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "chance". This construction emphasizes the high value and desirability of the opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "precious chance" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a highly valuable opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally correct and suitable for various contexts. Its frequency is "common", with the majority of instances appearing in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" sources. While "precious chance" effectively conveys the significance of an opportunity, writers should consider alternatives such as "invaluable opportunity" or "golden opportunity" based on the desired nuance and formality. When used thoughtfully, "precious chance" enriches writing by emphasizing the importance of seizing valuable moments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

invaluable opportunity

Emphasizes the irreplaceable nature of the opportunity.

priceless opportunity

Highlights the immeasurable worth of the chance.

golden opportunity

Indicates a highly favorable and advantageous chance.

rare opportunity

Stresses the infrequency and uniqueness of the chance.

significant opportunity

Underlines the importance and potential impact of the chance.

valuable opportunity

Focuses on the benefits and worth of the chance.

unique opportunity

Highlights the distinct and one-of-a-kind nature of the chance.

exceptional opportunity

Emphasizes the outstanding and unusual quality of the chance.

special opportunity

Indicates a particular and favored chance.

uncommon opportunity

Highlights the rarity and unusual nature of the chance.

FAQs

How can I use "precious chance" in a sentence?

You can use "precious chance" to describe an opportunity that is highly valued and should not be missed. For example, "This scholarship is a "precious chance" for students to pursue their dreams."

What are some alternatives to "precious chance"?

Some alternatives to "precious chance" include "invaluable opportunity", "priceless opportunity", or "golden opportunity". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "precious chance" or "valuable chance"?

"Precious chance" and "valuable chance" are similar, but "precious chance" emphasizes the emotional value and potential for loss if missed, while "valuable chance" focuses on the practical benefits.

Can "precious chance" be used in formal writing?

While acceptable, using "precious chance" sparingly in formal writing is recommended. Consider alternatives like "significant opportunity" or "important opportunity" for a more professional tone.