In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe something that is likely to happen soon.
- Stronger than 'maybe' but not a 100% certainty.
- Perfect for predictions, plans, and casual office talk.
Meaning
This phrase describes a high probability or a strong likelihood that something will happen. It is like saying 'it is very possible' or 'I bet it will occur.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Predicting the weather
There is a good chance of rain this afternoon.
هناك فرصة جيدة لهطول الأمطار بعد ظهر اليوم.
Discussing a job promotion
My boss said I have a good chance of getting the promotion.
قال مديري إن لدي فرصة جيدة للحصول على الترقية.
Texting a friend about a party
Good chance I'll be there by 8 PM!
فرصة جيدة أن أكون هناك بحلول الساعة 8 مساءً!
Cultural Background
In American business, 'good chance' is often used to project optimism. If a boss says there's a 'good chance' for a bonus, they are usually trying to motivate the team, even if it's not guaranteed. The British often use 'good chance' as a form of understatement. If someone says 'There's a good chance it might rain,' and they are looking at a black sky, they actually mean 'It is definitely going to rain.' Australians might use 'sporting chance' as a variation, reflecting the country's deep-rooted sports culture. It implies a fair and reasonable opportunity. In international meetings, 'good chance' is a safe, neutral phrase that avoids the over-commitment of 'will' while being more positive than 'might'.
The 70% Rule
Think of 'good chance' as representing roughly 70% certainty. It's more than 'maybe' but less than 'probably'.
Avoid 'Big Chance'
While 'big chance' is understandable, it sounds non-native. Stick to 'good', 'great', or 'strong'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe something that is likely to happen soon.
- Stronger than 'maybe' but not a 100% certainty.
- Perfect for predictions, plans, and casual office talk.
What It Means
Good chance is your go-to phrase for predicting the future with confidence. It means something is likely to happen. It is not a 100% guarantee. However, it is much stronger than just saying 'maybe.' Think of it as a 70% to 80% probability. If you see dark clouds, there is a good chance of rain. You are telling your friend to grab an umbrella without sounding like a boring weather reporter.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is incredibly easy. You can use it as a standalone noun phrase. You often see it following 'There is a...' or 'There's a...'. For example, 'There's a good chance we will win.' You can also put it at the start of a sentence. 'Good chance he forgot his keys again.' It works perfectly with the word 'that' or 'of.' You might say 'a good chance of success.' It is flexible and fits into almost any sentence structure. Just don't overthink the grammar.
When To Use It
You can use this in almost any daily situation. Use it at work when discussing a project's success. Use it with friends when planning a weekend trip. It is great for making predictions about sports or movies. If you are texting a friend about meeting up, it sounds natural. 'There's a good chance I'll be late' is a classic move. It shows you are being honest about your schedule. It is polite because it prepares the other person for a specific outcome.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase for things that are absolutely certain. If you are holding a cup, don't say there is a good chance you have a cup. That sounds a bit crazy. Also, do not use it for very rare events. You wouldn't say there is a good chance of winning the lottery. That would be lying to yourself! In extremely formal legal documents, lawyers might prefer 'highly probable.' But for 99% of your life, good chance is your best friend.
Cultural Background
English speakers love to be non-committal but helpful. We rarely like to say 'yes' or 'no' definitively if there is a tiny doubt. Good chance is the perfect cultural compromise. It allows us to be optimistic without being responsible if things go wrong. It reflects a culture that values probability and 'hedging' your bets. It is a very 'safe' way to express an opinion in both UK and US cultures.
Common Variations
You can spice this up by changing the adjective. If you are very sure, use great chance or excellent chance. If you are less sure, you might say fair chance. If you want to sound a bit more casual, you can say pretty good chance. Some people even say fighting chance when something is difficult but possible. Each variation changes the 'percentage' of how sure you are. Stick with good chance for a solid, middle-ground confidence level.
Usage Notes
The phrase is incredibly versatile and safe for B1 learners. Just remember to use 'a' before it: 'There is **a** good chance.'
The 70% Rule
Think of 'good chance' as representing roughly 70% certainty. It's more than 'maybe' but less than 'probably'.
Avoid 'Big Chance'
While 'big chance' is understandable, it sounds non-native. Stick to 'good', 'great', or 'strong'.
Use 'Stands'
For a more advanced sound, use the verb 'stands': 'He stands a good chance of winning.'
Examples
6There is a good chance of rain this afternoon.
هناك فرصة جيدة لهطول الأمطار بعد ظهر اليوم.
Used with 'of' to show probability.
My boss said I have a good chance of getting the promotion.
قال مديري إن لدي فرصة جيدة للحصول على الترقية.
Professional yet hopeful tone.
Good chance I'll be there by 8 PM!
فرصة جيدة أن أكون هناك بحلول الساعة 8 مساءً!
Shortened for a quick text message.
There's a good chance my dog understands English but just ignores me.
هناك فرصة جيدة أن كلبي يفهم اللغة الإنجليزية ولكنه يتجاهلني فقط.
Using probability for a humorous observation.
Don't worry, there's a good chance you passed anyway.
لا تقلق، هناك فرصة جيدة أنك نجحت على أي حال.
Used to provide emotional support and optimism.
There is a good chance that the market will stabilize next quarter.
هناك فرصة جيدة لأن يستقر السوق في الربع القادم.
Shows professional confidence without making a hard guarantee.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'good chance'.
There is a ______ ______ that we will arrive before dark.
The standard collocation in English is 'good chance'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the best option:
After 'of', we use the gerund (-ing) form of the verb.
Match the probability to the phrase.
If something is 80% likely to happen, which phrase fits best?
'Good chance' indicates a high but not certain probability.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: Do you think the store is still open? B: It's only 5 PM, so ______.
We use the 'There is...' structure to state that a probability exists.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Probability Scale
Low
- • No chance
- • Slim chance
- • Fat chance (slang)
Medium
- • Fair chance
- • Maybe
- • Possible
High
- • Good chance
- • Great chance
- • Highly likely
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThere is a ______ ______ that we will arrive before dark.
The standard collocation in English is 'good chance'.
Choose the best option:
After 'of', we use the gerund (-ing) form of the verb.
If something is 80% likely to happen, which phrase fits best?
'Good chance' indicates a high but not certain probability.
A: Do you think the store is still open? B: It's only 5 PM, so ______.
We use the 'There is...' structure to state that a probability exists.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes! 'A great chance' is even stronger than 'a good chance', implying 80-90% probability.
It is acceptable in most essays, but 'high probability' or 'significant likelihood' sounds more academic.
A 'fair chance' is about 50/50. A 'good chance' is more optimistic, around 70%.
'Good chance' focuses on the existence of the possibility, making it sound slightly more objective or evidence-based.
Yes. You can say 'There's a good chance the company will fail.' The 'good' refers to the amount of probability, not the quality of the event.
Both are used. 'Chance to' usually refers to an opportunity ('a chance to go'), while 'chance of' refers to probability ('a chance of rain').
You can say 'Odds are...' or 'I'll bet...'.
No. This is a common error for non-native speakers. Never use it to wish someone luck.
Related Phrases
fair chance
similarA reasonable but not high probability.
fighting chance
specialized formA chance of success if one makes an effort.
slim chance
contrastA very low probability.
by any chance
relatedUsed to ask a question politely.
stand a chance
builds onTo have a possibility of success.
