slim chances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slim chances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the likelihood of something happening is very low. Example: "Despite our efforts, we still have slim chances of winning the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

As unemployment increases in duration, these slim chances drop steadily.

The New York Times

From the beginning, the peace plan has been given slim chances of success.

The New York Times

Legal experts say they face stiff sentences and slim chances of acquittal.

The New York Times

Apparently his slim chances of obtaining the nomination were a major factor in the decision.

The Economist

Daniel Ricciardo, who was second, thought the interruption had damaged his slim chances of victory.

The Guardian - Sport

Espanyol defeated Deportivo La Coruna 3-1 at Montjuic to boost their slim chances of survival.

The Guardian - Sport

Because both women were 45, they tried to double their already slim chances by both being inseminated.

The New York Times - Magazine

A bank employee says she often advises homeowners not to apply, given the slim chances for success.

The New York Times

And in fact there remain slim chances that Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton might not be our future presidential nominees.

The Guardian

College grads with degrees like one in theoretical mathematics have slim chances to obtain broad cultural capital or jobs.

The New York Times

The result, in Wales's 500th international match, ended its already slim chances of finishing second in the group.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slim chances", ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing. While generally acceptable, it's more suited for neutral or informal contexts than highly formal or technical writing. In technical writing consider using "low probability" or "minimal likelihood".

Common error

Avoid using "slim chances" when the situation is completely hopeless. "Slim chances" implies there is still some, albeit small, possibility of success. For situations with zero possibility, consider using "no chance" or "impossible".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slim chances" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It quantifies the likelihood of an event occurring, expressing a low probability. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Sport

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slim chances" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations where the probability of success is low. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to slightly informal register. While alternatives like "slight possibility" or "low probability" exist, "slim chances" provides a clear and widely understood way to convey skepticism about a particular outcome. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the level of improbability and is appropriate for the intended audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight possibility

Emphasizes the small degree of possibility rather than the chance.

remote possibility

Suggests the possibility is far off or unlikely.

low probability

Focuses on the statistical improbability of an event.

minimal likelihood

Highlights the scarcity of any real chance of success.

poor prospect

Shifts the focus to the unfavorable outlook or expectation.

faint hope

Highlights the weakness of the hope rather than the chance.

negligible opportunity

Emphasizes the insignificance of the opportunity.

small hope

Emphasizes the degree of the hope which is not high.

outside chance

Indicates a chance exists, but it is highly improbable.

thin hope

Like 'faint hope', this expresses a delicate or fragile expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "slim chances" in a sentence?

"Slim chances" typically describe a situation where the probability of success or a specific outcome is very low. For example: "Despite the team's efforts, they have "slim chances" of winning the championship".

What are some alternatives to "slim chances"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "slight possibility", "remote chance", "low probability", or "minimal likelihood".

Is it more appropriate to use "slim chances" or "little chance"?

Both "slim chances" and "little chance" are acceptable, but "slim chances" might suggest a slightly higher, yet still improbable, likelihood compared to "little chance". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Are there situations where using "slim chances" would be inappropriate?

Yes, in highly formal or technical contexts, more precise language like "low probability" or "minimal likelihood" may be preferred. Also, avoid using "slim chances" if the situation is entirely impossible; instead, opt for phrases like "no chance".