Cool MateIs chance vs Possibility
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Is chance
Top 2,000 (common)
Possibility
Top 2,000 (common)A2noun
| Is chance | Possibility | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪz tʃæns//🇺🇸 //ɪz tʃæns// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌpɒsəˈbɪləti/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌpɑːsəˈbɪləti/"]/ |
| Meaning | A possibility or opportunity to happen something. | Something that might happen or be true. |
| Example | Is there a chance you might join us later? | There is a possibility of rain tomorrow, so take your umbrella. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | take a chance, give a chance, take a chance on something, miss a chance, high chance | 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 | - | impossibility, certainty |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'the chance' which refers to a specific opportunity., Using 'is chance' instead of 'is there a chance'., Not using it appropriately in negative forms. | 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 | Used mainly in informal contexts to express uncertainty or possibility. It can sometimes appear in formal writing but is less common. | 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: Is chance vs Possibility
What's the difference between Is chance and Possibility?
Is chance: A possibility or opportunity to happen something. Possibility: Something that might happen or be true.
Can you show an example of each?
Is chance: Is there a chance you might join us later? Possibility: There is a possibility of rain tomorrow, so take your umbrella.
Can I use Is chance and Possibility interchangeably?
Not always. Is 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.