In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe a very low probability of an event occurring.
- Softer and more polite than saying something is 'impossible'.
- Commonly followed by 'of' and a noun or '-ing' verb.
Meaning
This phrase describes something that is very unlikely to happen. It's like saying the odds are against you, but there is still a tiny, tiny sliver of possibility.
Key Examples
3 of 6Checking the weather for a picnic
The clouds are clearing, so there is little chance of rain now.
The clouds are clearing, so there is little chance of rain now.
Discussing a promotion at work
With the budget cuts, there is little chance of a bonus this year.
With the budget cuts, there is little chance of a bonus this year.
Texting a friend about a sold-out concert
I'm in the queue, but there's little chance I'll get tickets.
I'm in the queue, but there's little chance I'll get tickets.
Cultural Background
British speakers often use 'little chance' as a form of polite understatement. Instead of saying 'No,' they might say 'There's little chance of that,' which sounds less confrontational. In US corporate culture, 'little chance' is used in risk assessment to signal that a project or strategy is likely to fail, allowing teams to pivot without sounding overly emotional. Scientists use 'little chance' to maintain empirical honesty. They rarely say something is 'impossible' unless it violates laws of physics, so 'little chance' is their way of saying 'highly improbable.' Fans use 'little chance' to express 'realistic' pessimism about their favorite teams, often as a way to protect themselves from disappointment.
The 'A' Rule
If you want to sound realistic or slightly pessimistic, drop the 'a'. If you want to sound hopeful, keep the 'a'.
Don't pluralize
When talking about probability, keep 'chance' singular. 'Little chances' sounds like you are talking about small physical opportunities.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe a very low probability of an event occurring.
- Softer and more polite than saying something is 'impossible'.
- Commonly followed by 'of' and a noun or '-ing' verb.
What It Means
Little chance is your go-to phrase for being a realist. It means the probability of something happening is very low. You aren't saying it is impossible. You are just saying don't bet your lunch money on it. It’s that feeling when you see a massive line at a popular bakery. You know you might get a croissant, but there is little chance they’ll have any left by the time you reach the front.
How To Use It
Use it as a subject or after the verb is. You can say "There is little chance of rain." You can also use it to respond to a question. If a friend asks if you'll finish a 500-page book tonight, just say "Little chance of that!" It usually pairs with the word of followed by a noun or a verb ending in -ing. It sounds natural and flows well in conversation.
When To Use It
You can use this in almost any setting. Use it when discussing weather, sports scores, or work deadlines. It’s perfect for managing expectations. If your boss asks if a project can be done in an hour, use this phrase. It sounds more polite than a blunt "No." It shows you’ve thought about the possibility but remain skeptical. It’s the "polite pessimist" of the English language.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if something is truly 100% impossible. If you drop a glass, there is "no chance" it will float. Little chance implies a 1% to 5% possibility. Also, avoid it in highly emotional moments where someone needs total hope. If a friend is dreaming big, saying there is little chance might make you look like a bit of a buzzkill. Use it for facts and logic, not for crushing dreams!
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, often use understatement. We prefer saying little chance instead of "that will never happen." It feels less aggressive. It comes from a culture of cautious optimism. We like to leave the door open just a crack, even if we are fairly sure the answer is no. It’s a way to stay humble about the future.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more casual, use slim chance. It means the exact same thing but feels a bit more visual. For more emphasis, try very little chance. If you want to be even more dramatic, you can say fat chance. Ironically, fat chance actually means "no chance at all." English is funny like that, isn't it? Stick to little chance to stay clear and understood.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral collocation suitable for both spoken and written English. Be careful not to use 'few chance,' as chance is treated as an uncountable noun in this context.
The 'A' Rule
If you want to sound realistic or slightly pessimistic, drop the 'a'. If you want to sound hopeful, keep the 'a'.
Don't pluralize
When talking about probability, keep 'chance' singular. 'Little chances' sounds like you are talking about small physical opportunities.
Polite Refusal
Use 'There's little chance I can...' to say 'No' to an invitation without being rude.
Examples
6The clouds are clearing, so there is little chance of rain now.
The clouds are clearing, so there is little chance of rain now.
Used to predict a weather outcome based on observation.
With the budget cuts, there is little chance of a bonus this year.
With the budget cuts, there is little chance of a bonus this year.
A professional way to deliver disappointing news.
I'm in the queue, but there's little chance I'll get tickets.
I'm in the queue, but there's little chance I'll get tickets.
Managing a friend's expectations via text.
They are down by 40 points; there is little chance of a miracle now!
They are down by 40 points; there is little chance of a miracle now!
Using the phrase to highlight a lopsided score.
There is little chance that the experiment will yield different results.
There is little chance that the experiment will yield different results.
Used to state a logical conclusion in a formal setting.
I dropped my ring in the ocean; there is little chance of finding it.
I dropped my ring in the ocean; there is little chance of finding it.
Expressing sadness or resignation about a lost object.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
There is _______ chance of the meeting being cancelled.
We use 'little' (without 'a') to show a negative/low probability.
Which sentence sounds most natural?
Predicting the winner of the race:
'Stand little chance of [verb-ing]' is a very common and natural collocation.
Match the situation to the likelihood.
Match the following:
Winning the lottery is possible but highly unlikely, making 'little chance' the perfect fit.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Do you think the boss will give us a bonus? B: Honestly, with the company losing money, there's _______.
The context (losing money) implies a negative outcome, so 'little chance' is correct.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Probability Scale
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThere is _______ chance of the meeting being cancelled.
We use 'little' (without 'a') to show a negative/low probability.
Predicting the winner of the race:
'Stand little chance of [verb-ing]' is a very common and natural collocation.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Winning the lottery is possible but highly unlikely, making 'little chance' the perfect fit.
A: Do you think the boss will give us a bonus? B: Honestly, with the company losing money, there's _______.
The context (losing money) implies a negative outcome, so 'little chance' is correct.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your friends. It's very safe!
Yes, 'small chance' is a perfect synonym, but 'little chance' is a more common collocation.
The opposite is 'a great chance' or 'a high probability.'
Because 'chance' (meaning probability) is uncountable. We use 'little' for uncountable things.
No! 'Fat chance' is sarcastic and means 'no chance at all.'
Yes: 'There was little chance of success.'
Both are used, but 'little chance of + -ing' is more common for probability.
Use it to show you are realistic: 'There is little chance of this project failing if we plan well.'
Very! British people love using it to be polite and indirect.
Yes, adding 'very' makes it even more unlikely.
Related Phrases
slim chance
synonymA very small possibility.
fat chance
contrastNo chance at all (sarcastic).
no chance
builds onZero possibility.
fighting chance
similarA small but real possibility of success if one works hard.
