Cool MateChance vs Possibility
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Chance
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Possibility
Top 2,000 (common)A2noun
Most common: Chance
| Chance | Possibility | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/tʃɑːns/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tʃæns/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌpɒsəˈbɪləti/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌpɑːsəˈbɪləti/"]/ |
| Meaning | A possibility of something happening. | Something that might happen or be true. |
| Example | She took a chance and applied for the job, despite her doubts. | There is a possibility of rain tomorrow, so take your umbrella. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | 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 | exciting, interesting, intriguing, allow somebody, create, offer somebody, exist, remain, possibility for, possibility of, not beyond the bounds of possibility, within the realm of possibility, a number of possibilities, exciting, interesting, intriguing, allow somebody, create, offer somebody, exist, remain, possibility for, possibility of, not beyond the bounds of possibility, within the realm of possibility, a number of possibilities |
| Antonyms | certainty, inevitability | impossibility, certainty |
| 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'. | Confusing 'possibility' with 'probability' (possibility is broader)., Using 'possibility' when a more definite word like 'surety' is needed., Incorrectly using it as a verb instead of a noun. |
| 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 'possibility' when discussing potential events or situations. It's suitable for both spoken and written language. Avoid informal contexts where simpler words may be more appropriate. |
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Frequently asked questions: Chance vs Possibility
What's the difference between Chance and Possibility?
Chance: A possibility of something happening. Possibility: Something that might happen or be true.
Which is more common: Chance and Possibility?
Chance is the most common in everyday English.
Are Chance and Possibility the same CEFR level?
Chance: A2, Possibility: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Chance and Possibility?
Chance: noun, Possibility: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Chance: She took a chance and applied for the job, despite her doubts. Possibility: There is a possibility of rain tomorrow, so take your umbrella.
Can I use Chance and Possibility interchangeably?
Not always. Chance and Possibility 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.