9 Most Common Collocations with Chance

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Chance speaks to the possibility or likelihood of something happening.

1. Good chance/ Excellent chance/ high change/ strong chance

Refers to something that is very likely to happen. It’s not 100% sure that it will happen, but it’s pretty close. There really isn’t a difference between an excellent and good chance, they can be used interchangeably.

  • There is a good chance that it will rain today.
  • I only want to move forward if there is an excellent chance that it will work out.
  • There is a high chance that we will be successful.
  • Do you think there’s a strong chance we’ll be ready on time?

2. Fair chance 

Can mean two things. It can mean that there is a reasonable possibility that something will happen. A fair chance isn’t quite a good chance, but it’s more than a 50% chance. It can also mean that the competition will be honorable.

This means that everyone will play (or participate) according to the rules. No one is going to do something underhanded or unfair. It will be an equal playing field.

  • I think you have a fair chance of getting the promotion.
  • I’ll make sure your brother doesn’t cheat, you’ll have a fair chance to win the game.

3. Fighting chance

Means that it’s possible for someone to be able to do something. There is a reasonable chance that you are able to accomplish something.

When someone has a fighting chance, it means they can accomplish something if they put effort into it. A fighting chance is not a guarantee, it takes action. This phrase is usually said to give someone hope that they can still achieve something.

  • Even though our team lost the game, we still have a fighting chance to make it into the playoffs.
  • Do you think we still have a fighting chance?

4. Realistic chance/ Reasonable chance

Means that it’s reasonable for someone to make something happen. A realistic chance is a real chance. This means that something can actually happen. It doesn’t mean it’s will, but it’s possible.

  • There’s a realistic chance that we won’t finish the marathon.
  • With this much traffic, there’s a reasonable chance that I’ll be late getting home.

5. Little chance

Refers to something that isn’t very likely to happen.

  • There’s a little chance that we are going to be friends after this.
  • I think we have a little chance of making this happen, but there’s no guarantee.

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6. The merest chance/ minimal chance

Means that all hope is not lost, but there is a very small chance. This is a much smaller possibility than having a little chance. The merest chance or minimal chance  is the smallest chance left without there being no chance left.

  • There is the merest chance that we are going to make it to the movie before it begins.
  • As long as there is the merest of chances, we will continue to search for the missing.
  • There’s a minimal chance you’re going to get the part.

7. Outside chance

Means the possibility of something happening is low. However, it is still possible, but some things would have to happen to make it more likely. An outside chance is still less than a 50% chance, but it’s higher than the merest or minimal chance.

  • Since we won today’s game, there’s an outside chance that we’ll be able to make the playoffs.
  • I‘m not the most likely candidate to get the promotion, but there’s still an outside chance because of my long history of good performances.

8. Give a chance/ Give it a chance

Refers to trying something. This is usually said when someone doesn’t want to do something, but either someone else is encouraging them to do it anyway. It can also refer to a person realizing that trying something is what’s best for them.

  • I’m going to give it a chance.
  • You’ve convinced me to give him a chance.
  • Making this move is scary, but I’m going to give it a chance. A change will be good for me.

9. Fat chance

Is usually something that is said as a snide or sarcastic  comment. It means that it’s unlikely that something will happen.

  • Her….go out with you. Fat chance.
  • After what happened I know there’s a fat chance this is going to go my way.

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