slightest chance

USAGE SUMMARY

"slightest chance" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a very small possibility or opportunity for something to happen. Example: "Despite the countless obstacles, she held on to the slightest chance of success and eventually achieved her dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How long is the slightest chance?

The New York Times - Magazine

Is there even the slightest chance he can do it?

The New York Times - Sports

No one gave the Americans the slightest chance.

The New Yorker

Isn't there the slightest chance that this could happen?

The New Yorker

There doesn't seem to be the slightest chance of escape.

The New Yorker

"If there's the slightest chance that he can win, he'll take it".

The New York Times

"I think nobody gave me the slightest chance to win today," Darcis said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Then the slightest chance, like the Koran burning, and it all blows up".

The New York Times

Even the slightest chance of somebody committing a copycat crime would be shirking our public responsibility".

The New York Times

Given the slightest chance, they will squeeze themselves into cars and airless lorries.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I don't think there is the slightest chance of getting a job at NI.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightest chance" to convey a very small possibility, but acknowledge that even unlikely events can occur. This adds nuance and avoids absolute statements.

Common error

Avoid using "slightest chance" when a situation is completely impossible. It implies a minimal possibility, not a zero probability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightest chance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a preposition or as part of a clause expressing doubt or low probability. As seen in Ludwig, it modifies the noun "chance" to emphasize how minimal the possibility is.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightest chance" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a very small possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It appears most frequently in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When writing, use "slightest chance" to convey a minimal possibility, and avoid overstating certainty when an event is truly impossible. Alternatives include "slim chance" or "remote possibility", and the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Using "slightest chance" appropriately enhances clarity and avoids misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim chance

Indicates a small and barely noticeable opportunity or possibility.

barely any hope

Highlights the almost complete absence of hope or expectation.

faint hope

Emphasizes the weak or fragile nature of the hope or expectation.

outside chance

Highlights that the chance exists but is not very probable.

tiniest bit of hope

Indicates that there is very little hope.

minimal prospect

Suggests a very low degree of expectation for something to happen.

remote possibility

Emphasizes the unlikelihood of the event, suggesting it's far-fetched.

negligible probability

Uses formal language to convey that the probability is so small it's practically nonexistent.

infinitesimal likelihood

Uses a more technical term to suggest the near impossibility of something.

one in a million chance

Expresses that an event is highly improbable.

FAQs

How to use "slightest chance" in a sentence?

Use "slightest chance" to indicate that something is very unlikely but still possible. For example, "Even if there's the slightest chance of rain, I'll bring an umbrella."

What can I say instead of "slightest chance"?

You can use alternatives like "remote possibility", "slim chance", or "outside chance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "slightest chance" or "smallest chance"?

Both "slightest chance" and "smallest chance" are correct and convey a similar meaning, but "slightest chance" is more common in everyday usage.

What's the difference between "slightest chance" and "faintest hope"?

"Slightest chance" refers to a small possibility of something happening, while "faintest hope" implies a weak or diminishing expectation that something positive will occur.