remote chance that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remote chance that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a very low probability of something happening. Example: "There is a remote chance that it will snow in April, but it's not impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Governments spend vast sums on defence to guard against the remote chance that their countries may be invaded.

The Economist

But there were possible side effects, like the remote chance that the drug would make me a bit suicidal.

The New York Times

William McKeever, an analyst at PaineWebber Securities, said there was only a remote chance that another bidder would emerge.

The New York Times

Health officials said they were working to rule out a remote chance that all developed their illness from mosquito bites.

The New York Times

And obviously, who would press its button on the unthinkably remote chance that the Americans ever told them to.

The Guardian

I do a short lesson on probability and the very remote chance that any of them will ever be involved in such an incident.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

There is not even the remotest chance that's going to happen," she said.

Vice

I didn't really believe that he was, but the analytical portion of my brain was saying, if there's even the remotest chance that he's savable now but won't be in three minutes you have to do something now.

The New Yorker

The supreme court judges had ruled that there was not "the remotest chance that the European court would hold that, because of other protections that Scots law provides for accused persons, the Scottish system could omit the safeguard of allowing legal advice prior to interviewing".

The Guardian

The skeptical doc asks Kate, "Do you think that if a real person emerges at the end of all this, there is the remotest chance that he will resemble the boy he was -- in any way?" "Mind Catcher" elaborates upon an idea spun out of countless science-fiction stories; here it is phrased as "Do you have that much confidence in computers?

The New York Times - Books

Is there the remotest chance that you might confuse Intellife Travel, a small travel agency in Santa Clara, California that caters to Chinese Americans and expats, with Intel the company?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remote chance that" when you want to acknowledge a possibility, however small, without placing undue emphasis on it. This is particularly useful in formal or technical writing where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "remote chance that" when you intend to convey near impossibility. If an event is virtually impossible, phrases like "virtually no chance" or "no realistic possibility" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remote chance that" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or within prepositional phrases. It modifies a verb or noun, indicating the low probability of an event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remote chance that" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a very low probability of something occurring. Ludwig AI confirms that it is suitable for use in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and wiki contexts. While it's acceptable for general use, it's important to ensure the level of improbability is accurately reflected, avoiding overstatement. Alternatives such as "slim chance that" or "slight possibility that" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. When writing, use this phrase when you want to concede a possibility but emphasize its unlikelihood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight possibility that

Emphasizes the small degree of possibility.

slim chance that

Highlights the low likelihood of something occurring.

negligible probability that

Indicates that the probability is so small it's almost non-existent.

unlikely prospect that

Focuses on the improbability of a future event.

outside chance that

Suggests a possibility exists but is not favored.

mere possibility that

Underlines that something is only theoretically possible.

faint hope that

Emphasizes the weakness of the hope for something to happen.

long shot that

Implies that the attempt is unlikely to succeed.

improbable event that

Highlights the unlikelihood of a particular event occurring.

theoretical chance that

Indicates the possibility exists in theory but is unlikely in practice.

FAQs

How can I use "remote chance that" in a sentence?

The phrase "remote chance that" is used to indicate a very low probability of something happening. For example, "There's a "remote chance that" the meeting will be canceled, but we should still prepare."

What phrases are similar to "remote chance that"?

Alternatives to "remote chance that" include "slim chance that", "slight possibility that", or "unlikely prospect that". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "remote chance that"?

While grammatically correct, using "remote chance that" might be misleading if the actual probability is closer to zero. In such cases, phrases like "virtually no chance" or "no realistic possibility" may be more accurate.

What's the difference between "remote chance that" and "slim chance that"?

Both "remote chance that" and "slim chance that" indicate a low probability. "Remote" suggests the possibility is distant or far-fetched, while "slim" emphasizes the smallness of the probability. They are largely interchangeable, but "remote" can add a sense of distance.