Cool MateChance vs The balance of probability is
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Chance
The balance of probability is
| Chance | The balance of probability is | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/tʃɑːns/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tʃæns/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðə ˈbæl.əns əv prəˈbɒb.ɪl.ɪ.ti ɪz//🇺🇸 //ðə ˈbæl.əns əv proʊˈbɑb.ɪl.ɪ.ti ɪz// |
| Meaning | A possibility of something happening. | The likelihood that something is true or will happen. |
| Example | She took a chance and applied for the job, despite her doubts. | In the court case, the judge stated that the balance of probability favored the defendant. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less 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 | assess the balance of probability, in the balance of probability, the balance of probability favors, determine the balance of probability, weigh the balance of probability |
| Antonyms | certainty, inevitability | - |
| 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 'balance' in financial contexts., Used in informal settings where simpler phrases would be better., Misunderstanding 'probability' as certainty instead of likelihood. |
| 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. | Used in legal and statistical contexts to discuss the weight of evidence. Appropriate in formal writing but not in casual speech. |
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Frequently asked questions: Chance vs The balance of probability is
What's the difference between Chance and The balance of probability is?
Chance: A possibility of something happening. The balance of probability is: The likelihood that something is true or will happen.
Which is more formal: Chance and The balance of probability is?
The balance of probability is is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Chance and The balance of probability is?
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. The balance of probability is: In the court case, the judge stated that the balance of probability favored the defendant.
Can I use Chance and The balance of probability is interchangeably?
Not always. Chance and The balance of probability is 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.