Cool MateChance vs Fortunes
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Chance
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Fortunes
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Chance
| Chance | Fortunes | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/tʃɑːns/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tʃæns/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈfɔːtʃənz//🇺🇸 //ˈfɔr.tʃənz// |
| Meaning | A possibility of something happening. | Good luck or wealth |
| Example | She took a chance and applied for the job, despite her doubts. | He amassed a great fortune through hard work. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | excellent, good, high, give somebody, be in with, have, by any chance, chance of, chance for, fat chance, have every chance, no chance!, equal, fair, good, element, get, have, deserve, arise, come, come your way, chance at, given the chance, half a chance, let a chance slip, take, chance on, chance with, mere, pure, sheer, leave something to, by chance, due to chance, through chance, a game of chance, take your chances | make a fortune, change one's fortunes, fortune favors the bold |
| Antonyms | certainty, inevitability | misfortune, poverty |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'change' in spoken English., Using 'chance' as a verb incorrectly., Saying 'a chance to do' when it should be 'chance of doing'. | Confused with 'fortune' (singular) when discussing a single instance., Used incorrectly in plural form when it should be singular., Confused with 'destiny' regarding fate. |
| Usage notes | Use 'chance' when discussing the likelihood of an event. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts but avoid using it in very formal documents. It can often be replaced with 'opportunity' when talking about the possibility for success. | Use 'fortunes' for both financial situations and general luck. In formal contexts, prefer 'wealth' or 'prosperity'. |
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Frequently asked questions: Chance vs Fortunes
What's the difference between Chance and Fortunes?
Chance: A possibility of something happening. Fortunes: Good luck or wealth
Which is more common: Chance and Fortunes?
Chance is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Chance: She took a chance and applied for the job, despite her doubts. Fortunes: He amassed a great fortune through hard work.
Can I use Chance and Fortunes interchangeably?
Not always. Chance and Fortunes are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.