took a chance

USAGE SUMMARY

"took a chance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when someone takes a risk or does something despite the possibility of failure. For example, "Peter took a chance by quitting his job to pursue his dream career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"So I took a chance".

The New York Times - Sports

So I took a chance with "Henderson".

The New Yorker

I drank and took a chance.

The New York Times - Magazine

He took a chance on me".

The New York Times

"He took a chance.

The New York Times - Sports

I took a chance.

The New York Times

"They took a chance.

The New York Times - Sports

A handful took a chance.

The New York Times

But they took a chance.

The Guardian

So Willard took a chance.

The New York Times - Sports

But I took a chance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took a chance" when describing a deliberate decision to proceed despite known risks. This implies a calculated move rather than reckless abandon.

Common error

Avoid using "took a chance" when the action is guaranteed to succeed or involves no significant potential for negative consequences. This dilutes the phrase's intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a chance" functions as a verbal phrase, typically serving as the predicate of a clause. It describes an action of embracing risk or seizing an opportunity despite potential negative outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took a chance" is a very common expression used to describe making a decision that involves risk. Grammatically sound, it typically functions as the predicate of a clause, narrating an action where someone willingly accepted potential negative consequences for a desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and provides ample examples of its usage across diverse contexts, especially within news and media. While maintaining a generally neutral register, it's best practice to employ it when describing calculated decisions, avoiding situations with guaranteed success. Related phrases, such as "seized an opportunity" or "risked it", offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context and level of risk involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took a leap of faith

Emphasizes the lack of concrete evidence or certainty, relying more on trust or belief.

seized an opportunity

Focuses on capitalizing on a favorable moment, emphasizing action and initiative rather than risk.

risked it

A more informal way of saying someone accepted a risk or faced a possible loss to achieve something.

gave it a shot

Suggests an attempt with no guarantees, often in the face of low expectations.

took a flyer

Implies taking a risk on something unproven or speculative.

gambled

Implies a higher level of risk and uncertainty, often with the potential for significant gain or loss.

tried my luck

Highlights the element of chance or fortune in the outcome.

rolled the dice

Similar to “gambled” but evokes the imagery of a random outcome.

ventured

Suggests a bold undertaking, especially in a situation that could be dangerous or unpredictable.

stepped up to the plate

Highlights courage and readiness to confront a challenge, often in a high-pressure situation.

FAQs

What does "took a chance" mean?

The phrase "took a chance" means that someone decided to do something even though there was a risk of failure or a possibility of a negative outcome. It suggests a willingness to embrace uncertainty in pursuit of a desired result.

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

You can use "took a chance" to describe a situation where someone made a risky decision. For example, "He "took a chance" by investing all his savings in the new company."

What are some alternatives to "took a chance"?

Alternatives to "took a chance" include "seized an opportunity", "gambled", or "risked it". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of risk involved.

Is it better to say "take a chance" or "took a chance"?

The correct tense depends on the context. "Take a chance" is used for general advice or future actions. "Took a chance" is used when describing a past action where someone decided to take a risk. For example, "You should "take a chance" and apply for the job" versus "She "took a chance" and moved to a new city."