the chances that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the chances that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the likelihood of something. For example: "Given their past experiences, the chances that they will succeed on this project are slim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I seized all the chances that came my way".

The Guardian

The chances that events will happen.

The New Yorker

What are the chances that this should be?

Cornell University

The chances that rebels were responsible seem slim to nonexistent.

The New Yorker

And it's reduced the chances that the bailout will work.

The New Yorker

They increase the chances that Arizona elections will be fair.

The New York Times

That lowers the chances that any one will turn cancerous.

The New York Times - Science

What are the chances that the Babel folders have survived?

The New York Times - Books

What are the chances that my cancer will recur?

The New York Times - Health

But what are the chances that you'll eat any?

The New York Times - Food

What are the chances that I will become infertile?

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the chances that" when you want to express the likelihood of a specific event or outcome, especially when discussing probabilities or possibilities based on certain conditions or evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "chance" (singular) when referring to multiple possibilities or a general likelihood. "Chance" is better suited for a single opportunity or possibility. Use "chances" when you're talking about multiple potential outcomes or varying levels of likelihood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the chances that" functions as a determiner phrase introducing a noun clause. It quantifies the probability or likelihood of a specific event or condition. Ludwig AI examples show it introducing clauses that express potential outcomes or probabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the chances that" is a versatile phrase used to express the likelihood of an event. Grammatically correct and very common, it appears across diverse sources, from news to academic publications. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. When using the phrase, ensure you are referring to multiple possibilities rather than a single opportunity. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "the probability that". This phrase serves to quantify probability and is found in neutral to formal registers, making it adaptable for various communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the likelihood that

Replaces "chances" with "likelihood", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

the probability that

Substitutes "chances" with "probability", conveying a more statistical or scientific tone.

the odds that

Employs "odds" instead of "chances", often used in contexts involving gambling or predictions.

the likelihood of

Rephrases to use "likelihood of" followed by a gerund, altering the sentence structure slightly.

the probability of

Rephrases to use "probability of" followed by a gerund, maintaining a formal tone.

the possibility that

Uses "possibility" to indicate a potential outcome, though it may not be highly likely.

the prospect that

Replaces "chances" with "prospect", suggesting a future possibility or expectation.

the odds of

Rephrases to use "odds of" followed by a gerund, keeping an informal or predictive tone.

the potential that

Substitutes "chances" with "potential", focusing on the inherent capacity for something to occur.

it is likely that

Changes the structure to a more direct assertion of likelihood.

FAQs

How can I use "the chances that" in a sentence?

You can use "the chances that" to introduce a clause expressing the probability of an event. For instance, "Given the data, "the chances that" the project will succeed are high."

What is a more formal alternative to "the chances that"?

A more formal alternative would be "the probability that" or "the likelihood that". These options are suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is there a difference between "the chance that" and "the chances that"?

Yes, "the chance that" refers to a single opportunity or possibility, whereas ""the chances that"" refers to the overall likelihood or multiple possibilities. For example, "There's a chance that it will rain" versus ""the chances that" it will rain are high."

Can I use "the odds that" instead of "the chances that"?

Yes, "the odds that" is a similar expression, often used when discussing probabilities, especially in a more informal or predictive context. For example, "The odds that he will win are slim."