the chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the chance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a potential opportunity or an uncertain outcome. For example, "We have the chance to win the game if we play our best."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The chance of mutiny is slim.

The New Yorker

The chance?

Independent

Let's take the chance.

The New York Times

Here is the chance.

Independent

We missed the chance".

The Economist

LeBron, take the chance.

The New York Times

And took the chance.

The New York Times

He had the chance.

The New Yorker

Collins gave him the chance.

The New York Times - Sports

But why take the chance?

The Economist

They never got the chance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the chance" to specifically denote a distinct opportunity, not just a general possibility. For example, "This is "the chance" to revolutionize the industry."

Common error

Avoid using "the chance" when referring to a general possibility without a specific enabling factor. Instead of "There's "the chance" it might rain", which is vague, specify: "There's "the chance" of rain tomorrow according to the forecast."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the chance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, such as describing opportunities or probabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the chance" is a versatile noun phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI, used to denote either an opportunity or a probability. Its usage is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure you're referring to a specific opportunity rather than a general possibility. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC frequently employ this phrase. Consider using alternatives such as "the opportunity" or "the possibility" to refine the meaning. Its register is considered neutral, making it suitable for diverse forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the opportunity

Replaces 'chance' with 'opportunity', focusing on a favorable set of circumstances.

the possibility

Substitutes 'chance' with 'possibility', emphasizing potential occurrence rather than a specific opportunity.

the occasion

Replaces "chance" with "occasion", focusing on a specific time or event where something can happen.

the prospect

Replaces 'chance' with 'prospect', highlighting the outlook or anticipation of something happening.

the likelihood

Substitutes 'chance' with 'likelihood', emphasizing the probability of something occurring.

the risk

Replaces "chance" with "risk", focusing on the potential negative consequences.

the opening

Replaces 'chance' with 'opening', highlighting an available space or time to do something.

the shot

Substitutes 'chance' with 'shot', implying an attempt or effort with an uncertain outcome.

the gamble

Replaces 'chance' with 'gamble', focusing on a risky action taken with the hope of success.

the long shot

Substitutes 'the chance' with 'the long shot', focusing on a very slim chance of success.

FAQs

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

You can use "the chance" to describe an opportunity or a probability. For example, "We have "the chance" to meet the president" or "There is "the chance" of rain tomorrow".

What is a synonym for "the chance"?

Synonyms for "the chance" include "the opportunity", "the possibility", and "the prospect", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "take the chance"?

Yes, "take the chance" is a common and correct idiom that means to seize an opportunity or to accept a risk. It's synonymous with "take a risk".

What's the difference between "chance" and "opportunity"?

"Chance" can refer to both a possibility and an opportunity, while "opportunity" specifically refers to a favorable set of circumstances. Using "the opportunity" implies more control and less randomness than "the chance".