small chance

USAGE SUMMARY

"small chance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the likelihood of something happening, or the probability of something being true. For example: "There is a small chance that it might rain later today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Small chance of rain.

Independent

"They gave us a very small chance of surviving.

Independent

Yet it has only a small chance of passing.

The Economist

If you write about it, there's a small chance.

The Guardian

"Basically, they have a small chance of an event.

The New York Times

It's a small chance, but Sir Nicholas has considered it.

The Guardian

Maybe it's a small chance, a small possibility.

The New York Times

There is a small chance that will happen.

The New York Times - Sports

There is small chance, though, that any suspects in Russia would ever face justice here.

The New York Times

There is still an infinitesimally small chance that we will go through".

The New York Times - Sports

There is a small chance that Capriles could pull off the upset.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small chance", consider quantifying the probability if possible to give the audience a clearer understanding of the situation. For example, instead of saying "There's a small chance of rain", specify "There's a 10% chance of rain."

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of an event with a "small chance" of occurring. While it's important to acknowledge the possibility, ensure that you're not creating undue alarm or misleading your audience about the actual level of risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small chance" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI specifies, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It denotes the possibility of something occurring, albeit with a low probability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small chance" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a low probability of something occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. It is versatile enough for use in both formal and informal contexts, as seen in numerous examples from news sources, scientific publications, and general writing. While the phrase is widely accepted, users should be mindful of avoiding overstatement and, where possible, provide more specific probabilities to enhance clarity. Alternatives like "slight possibility" or "slim chance" can add subtle nuances to your writing. Finally, remember that mastering correct usage involves not just knowing what to say, but also understanding when and how to say it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight possibility

Replaces "chance" with "possibility" and "small" with "slight", indicating a minor degree of likelihood.

slim chance

Synonymous replacement, using "slim" instead of "small" to denote a low probability.

remote possibility

Indicates the event is unlikely to occur, emphasizing its distance from happening.

minimal likelihood

Replaces "chance" with "likelihood" and "small" with "minimal", suggesting a very low probability.

low probability

A more formal and direct way of saying "small chance", focusing on the mathematical aspect of likelihood.

unlikely prospect

Shifts from chance to "prospect", highlighting the improbability of the anticipated outcome.

negligible probability

Emphasizes that the likelihood is so small it's practically insignificant.

slight risk

Uses "risk" instead of "chance", framing the phrase in terms of potential negative outcomes.

faint hope

Implies an even weaker possibility of success or occurrence than "small chance".

modest hope

Conveys a limited degree of optimism, differing slightly from "chance" which implies a neutral possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "small chance" in a sentence?

You can use "small chance" to indicate that something is not very likely to happen. For example, "There is a "small chance" of winning the lottery", or "Despite the difficulties, there's still a "small chance" of success".

What are some alternatives to saying "small chance"?

Some alternatives to "small chance" include "slight possibility", "slim chance", "remote possibility", or "minimal likelihood". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "small chance" or "little chance"?

Both "small chance" and "little chance" are acceptable and convey a similar meaning. "Small chance" might sound slightly more formal, but the difference is negligible in most contexts.

What's the difference between "small chance" and "good chance"?

"Small chance" indicates a low probability or likelihood of something happening, while "good chance" suggests a high probability. They are antonyms, representing opposite ends of the probability spectrum.