reasonable chance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonable chance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood or probability of a certain outcome occurring. Example: "There is a reasonable chance of rain tomorrow, so you might want to bring an umbrella."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Babbage thinks they have a reasonable chance of success.

The Economist

He needed to put his approach shot onto the green to have a reasonable chance of another birdie and a reasonable chance of playing on the weekend.

The New York Times - Sports

Virginia, however, is the one Southern state that Mr. Obama has a reasonable chance of winning.

The New York Times

Other investment houses should join a cause that has a reasonable chance of succeeding.

The Guardian - Business

"The court has concluded that the merger has a reasonable chance of succeeding," the judge wrote.

The New York Times

The corollary is that there must be a reasonable chance of success.

The Guardian

Because of that, the prosecution decided there was no reasonable chance of conviction.

The Guardian

"We thought there was a reasonable chance of getting through this," he recalled.

The New York Times

JEFFREY GOLDBERG: I think the Democrats have a reasonable chance of regaining the House.

The New Yorker

He is still unconscious, but has a reasonable chance of surviving.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Hillary Clinton has no reasonable chance of catching up with Barack Obama's lead in elected delegates.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reasonable chance of" when you want to convey that an outcome is realistically possible but not guaranteed. It strikes a balance between optimism and realism.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonable chance of" when the outcome is highly certain or extremely unlikely. Choose a phrase that more accurately reflects the level of probability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable chance of" functions as a qualifier or modifier, adding a degree of probability to a subsequent noun or gerund. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct in written English. For example, "a reasonable chance of success" modifies the noun "success" by indicating a realistic, but not guaranteed, possibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonable chance of" is a versatile phrase used to express a moderate degree of probability or possibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct and usage is widespread across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific writing, this phrase provides a balanced perspective, acknowledging the potential for an event to occur without guaranteeing its certainty. When writing, using "reasonable chance of" is a smart way to convey a realistic yet hopeful outlook. Alternatives like "fair likelihood of" and "good possibility of" can be used to fine-tune the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good possibility of

Emphasizes the positive aspect of the chance, suggesting it is more likely than not.

distinct possibility of

Suggests a clear and noticeable chance, often implying some evidence.

fair likelihood of

Suggests a moderate level of probability, slightly less strong than "reasonable chance".

realistic shot at

Suggests a practical and attainable opportunity, particularly in competitive situations.

realistic prospect of

Focuses on the achievability of the outcome, implying feasibility.

legitimate expectation of

Implies a justified belief that something will occur, based on certain factors.

viable opportunity for

Highlights the potential for something to happen or succeed.

credible hope for

Focuses on the optimistic aspect, suggesting that there are grounds for believing in a positive outcome.

conceivable possibility of

Indicates that something is imaginable or thinkable, though not necessarily probable.

plausible scenario for

Highlights the believability and logical consistency of a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "reasonable chance of" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonable chance of" to indicate a moderate probability of something occurring. For example, "There's a "reasonable chance of" rain this afternoon", or "The project has a "good possibility of" success if we secure funding".

What are some alternatives to "reasonable chance of"?

Alternatives include "fair likelihood of", "good possibility of", or "realistic prospect of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "reasonable chance to" or "reasonable chance of"?

"Reasonable chance of" is the correct and idiomatic expression. "Reasonable chance to" is grammatically incorrect in this context. For instance, use "a reasonable chance of winning", not "a reasonable chance to win".

What's the difference between "reasonable chance of" and "high probability of"?

"Reasonable chance of" suggests a moderate to good possibility, while "high probability of" indicates a much stronger likelihood. Choose "reasonable chance of" when the outcome is uncertain but plausible; use "high probability of" when the outcome is almost certain.