smaller chance

USAGE SUMMARY

"smaller chance" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a decrease in the likelihood of something happening. Here is an example: "There is a smaller chance of rain tomorrow compared to today, according to the weather forecast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's like a real canoe, but with a smaller chance of drowning.

The New Yorker

This meant they had a much smaller chance of hitting their assigned targets.

The New York Times - Books

Nothing was guaranteed, except that there was a smaller chance there would be lower-leg injuries.

The New York Times - Sports

Patients who don't have the signature would have fewer such cancer stem cells and therefore a smaller chance of recurrence.

Columbia University

Further, the eurozone context is very different in ways that would suggest a smaller chance of success.

The Guardian - Business

Headsets and hand-held computerized pads mean less running around, fewer clerks, softer voices, a smaller chance for error.

The New York Times

"Money attracts money, and new labs may have a smaller chance to acquire additional funding," he says.

Nature

In any investment there is a chance that returns will turn out lower than expected, and generally a smaller chance that they will be far lower than expected.

Harvard University

When all other available treatments have an even smaller chance of providing any benefit, Avastin's positive results — however sparse — are extremely valuable to us.

The New York Times

But she added that the clearer the point was made to Tehran, the smaller chance that force would have to be used.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Small targets have a smaller chance of being mutated and are likely missed in mutagenesis experiments.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more precise language if you have quantitative data available. Instead of "smaller chance", you could say "a 10% decrease in probability".

Common error

Avoid implying causality when only a correlation is observed. A "smaller chance" of something occurring in one group compared to another does not necessarily mean the difference is directly caused by a specific factor; it could be due to other confounding variables.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller chance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a reduced probability or likelihood of a specific event or outcome. It is widely accepted and understood, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smaller chance" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a reduced probability or likelihood. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying what the chance is being compared to. Consider alternatives like "reduced likelihood" or "lower probability" depending on the desired level of formality. When interpreting the phrase, be wary of assuming causation based solely on correlation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced likelihood

Emphasizes the decrease in probability.

lower probability

Focuses on the statistical aspect of the reduced chance.

decreased possibility

Highlights the reduced potential for something to happen.

slim chance

Indicates a very small and unlikely possibility.

remote possibility

Suggests the chance is unlikely and far-removed.

unlikely prospect

Emphasizes that the event is improbable.

minimal risk

Highlights the low level of danger or uncertainty.

slight possibility

Implies the presence of a chance, however small.

reduced odds

Focuses on the numerical aspect of chance reduction.

negligible probability

Suggests the chance is so small it can almost be ignored.

FAQs

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

You can use "smaller chance" to indicate a reduced likelihood of an event occurring. For example, "Proper safety measures provide a "smaller chance" of accidents".

What are some alternatives to saying "smaller chance"?

Alternatives include "reduced likelihood", "lower probability", or "decreased possibility". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "smaller chance"?

Yes, "smaller chance" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a reduced likelihood or probability.

What's the difference between "smaller chance" and "greater chance"?

"Smaller chance" indicates a lower probability of something happening, while "greater chance" indicates a higher probability. They are antonyms.