slight chance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight chance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability of an event occurring, often in contexts like weather forecasts or predictions. Example: "There is a slight chance of rain tomorrow, so you might want to bring an umbrella."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Slight chance of rain.

The New York Times

Very clever, with a slight chance of learning physics.

The New Yorker

There was a slight chance of maybe a shower.

The New York Times - Sports

(There's a slight chance of thunderstorms on Saturday).

The New York Times

Only a slight chance of thundershowers was in the forecast.

The New York Times - Sports

"There is a really slight chance of you getting caught when you are nicking bikes.

The Guardian

Sale remain in with a slight chance of a top-six finish.

The Guardian - Sport

It was romantic and autumnal, with a slight chance of sunburn.

The New Yorker

Unfortunately, there was slight chance of a private equity firm bidding against K.K.R. and its partners.

The New York Times

Weather forecast Warm and partly cloudy, with a slight chance of rain late in the afternoon.

Independent

At 56 doubles, he has a slight chance of becoming the first player since 1936 to reach 60 doubles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slight chance of", ensure your sentence clearly conveys what event has a low probability of occurring. This avoids ambiguity and provides context for the likelihood you're describing.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the implication of "slight chance of". It indicates a low probability, so don't follow it with statements that suggest a high degree of certainty or impact if the event occurs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight chance of" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating a low probability or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of numerous examples, showcasing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slight chance of" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a low probability of an event. It is versatile, appearing in a range of contexts from weather forecasts to assessing the likelihood of various outcomes. Ludwig AI highlights its consistent usage across diverse sources. While alternatives like "minimal likelihood of" and "remote possibility of" exist, "slight chance of" offers a balance of clarity and neutrality, making it a reliable choice for expressing modest probabilities. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase's versatility and acceptance across different registers make it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal likelihood of

Emphasizes the extremely low probability, making it sound even less likely.

remote possibility of

Suggests the possibility is distant or unlikely to happen.

slim prospect of

Highlights the poor outlook or expectation of something occurring.

low probability of

Uses more formal language to describe a small statistical chance.

small possibility of

Directly indicates a reduced level of potential for something.

unlikely prospect of

Focuses on the improbability of a future event.

meager hope of

Implies that there is very little optimism about the potential outcome.

faint expectation of

Suggests a weak or unsubstantial anticipation.

negligible risk of

Highlights that the potential danger or negative outcome is very small.

scant opportunity for

Indicates there are limited chances or occasions for something to occur.

FAQs

How to use "slight chance of" in a sentence?

The phrase "slight chance of" is used to indicate a low probability of something happening. For example, "There is a "slight chance of rain" this afternoon" or "There's a "slight chance of success", but it's not guaranteed".

What can I say instead of "slight chance of"?

You can use alternatives like "minimal likelihood of", "remote possibility of", or "low probability of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "slight chance of" or "small chance of"?

Both "slight chance of" and "small chance of" are acceptable and convey essentially the same meaning. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. There is no significant difference in formality or impact.

What is the difference between "slight chance of" and "moderate chance of"?

"Slight chance of" indicates a low probability, whereas "moderate chance of" suggests a higher, more significant probability, though still not a certainty. The difference is in the degree of likelihood.