Cool MateChance vs Risk
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Chance
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Risk
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
| Chance | Risk | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/tʃɑːns/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tʃæns/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪsk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪsk/"]/ |
| Meaning | A possibility of something happening. | the chance of something bad happening |
| Example | She took a chance and applied for the job, despite her doubts. | There is a risk involved in investing in the stock market. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B1 |
| 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 | big, considerable, enormous, degree, level, element, face, run, take, outweigh something, group, factor, assessment, at risk, at risk from, at risk of, at your own risk, an increase in risk, a reduction in risk, big, considerable, enormous, degree, level, element, face, run, take, outweigh something, group, factor, assessment, at risk, at risk from, at risk of, at your own risk, an increase in risk, a reduction in risk, big, considerable, enormous, degree, level, element, face, run, take, outweigh something, group, factor, assessment, at risk, at risk from, at risk of, at your own risk, an increase in risk, a reduction in risk |
| Antonyms | certainty, inevitability | safety, 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 risk with danger - risk is about possibility, while danger implies a higher chance of harm., Using 'risks' as a singular noun - remember to use the correct plural or singular form., Omitting the object when saying 'risk' - always specify what is being risked. |
| 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. | Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. When discussing financial matters, 'risk' is frequent; however, it may not be appropriate in casual conversation about personal matters unless framed carefully. |
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Frequently asked questions: Chance vs Risk
What's the difference between Chance and Risk?
Chance: A possibility of something happening. Risk: the chance of something bad happening
Which is more advanced: Chance and Risk?
Risk is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Chance and Risk the same CEFR level?
Chance: A2, Risk: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Chance and Risk?
Chance: noun, Risk: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Chance: She took a chance and applied for the job, despite her doubts. Risk: There is a risk involved in investing in the stock market.
Can I use Chance and Risk interchangeably?
Not always. Chance and Risk 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.