In 15 Seconds
- Used for things that are unlikely but still possible.
- Commonly used in weather, sports, and making tentative plans.
- A polite way to say 'probably not' without being negative.
Meaning
This phrase describes a very small possibility that something might happen. It's used when you think an outcome is unlikely, but it's not impossible.
Key Examples
3 of 6Checking the weather for a picnic
There is a slight chance of rain this afternoon, so bring an umbrella.
There is a slight chance of rain this afternoon, so bring an umbrella.
Discussing a job promotion
I think there's a slight chance I'll get the promotion, but the competition is tough.
I think there's a slight chance I'll get the promotion, but the competition is tough.
Texting a friend about a party
There's a slight chance I can make it, but I might have to work late.
There's a slight chance I can make it, but I might have to work late.
Cultural Background
British speakers often use 'slight chance' as an understatement. If a Brit says 'there's a slight chance of a delay,' they might actually mean there's a significant problem. In American business culture, 'slight chance' is often a polite way to say 'no' without being confrontational. It's a form of 'softening' the blow. Australians might use 'slight chance' in a more laid-back way, often followed by 'but we'll see,' reflecting a relaxed attitude towards uncertainty. In scientific English, 'slight chance' is being replaced by specific p-values or confidence intervals, but it remains a common qualitative descriptor in abstracts.
Use it for Weather
If you want to sound like a native speaker when talking about the weather, always use 'slight chance' instead of 'small possibility.'
Avoid 'Slightly'
Never say 'a slightly chance.' It's a very common mistake for learners. Stick to the adjective 'slight.'
In 15 Seconds
- Used for things that are unlikely but still possible.
- Commonly used in weather, sports, and making tentative plans.
- A polite way to say 'probably not' without being negative.
What It Means
Slight chance is your go-to phrase for low odds. It means there is a tiny opening for success. Imagine a door that is almost shut but not locked. You aren't betting your house on it. You are just acknowledging it could happen. It is the opposite of a sure thing or a strong possibility.
How To Use It
You usually place it after the verb to be. For example, "There is a slight chance of rain." You can also use it to answer a question. If someone asks if you'll be late, you say, "There's a slight chance." It works perfectly with the preposition of followed by a noun. You can also use it with that followed by a sentence.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be realistic but hopeful. It is great for weather reports or sports predictions. Use it at work when a deadline is tight. It is perfect for social plans that are uncertain. If you might join a party late, use this phrase. It keeps expectations low so nobody gets disappointed later.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if something is 100% impossible. If there is zero hope, just say no chance. Also, avoid it if you are very confident. If you are sure you will win, don't say slight chance. It makes you sound like you have no self-confidence. Don't use it in high-stakes legal contracts where precision is required.
Cultural Background
English speakers love to be non-committal. We often use slight chance to avoid saying a direct "no." It is a polite way to manage expectations. In the UK, it’s often used with dry humor. If it’s pouring rain, someone might say there’s a slight chance of getting wet. It reflects a culture that prefers understatement over exaggeration.
Common Variations
You will often hear slim chance or fat chance. Ironically, fat chance actually means no chance at all! You might also hear outside chance. That one sounds a bit more like a sports metaphor. Small chance is okay, but slight chance sounds much more natural and professional.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits into almost any social or professional setting. Just remember to use 'of' for nouns and 'that' for clauses.
Use it for Weather
If you want to sound like a native speaker when talking about the weather, always use 'slight chance' instead of 'small possibility.'
Avoid 'Slightly'
Never say 'a slightly chance.' It's a very common mistake for learners. Stick to the adjective 'slight.'
The 'Only' Modifier
Add 'only' before 'a slight chance' to sound even more natural when you want to emphasize how unlikely something is.
Examples
6There is a slight chance of rain this afternoon, so bring an umbrella.
There is a slight chance of rain this afternoon, so bring an umbrella.
Standard usage for weather predictions.
I think there's a slight chance I'll get the promotion, but the competition is tough.
I think there's a slight chance I'll get the promotion, but the competition is tough.
Shows modesty and realistic expectations.
There's a slight chance I can make it, but I might have to work late.
There's a slight chance I can make it, but I might have to work late.
Used to avoid making a firm commitment.
Well, there's a slight chance I'll win the lottery and retire tomorrow!
Well, there's a slight chance I'll win the lottery and retire tomorrow!
Used humorously to highlight how unlikely something is.
If there's even a slight chance she'll forgive me, I have to try.
If there's even a slight chance she'll forgive me, I have to try.
Adds emotional weight to a small hope.
Is there a slight chance the surgery can be avoided?
Is there a slight chance the surgery can be avoided?
A formal way to ask about alternative possibilities.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
The sky is getting dark, but the weather report says there is only a ________ of rain.
'Slight' is the adjective needed to modify the noun 'chance.'
Which sentence uses the phrase most naturally?
Select the best option:
This sentence correctly uses the phrase to describe a low but realistic probability.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Do you think the store is still open? B: It's 9:05 PM. They usually close at 9:00, but ________.
This fits the context of a low probability event (the store still being open).
Match the probability to the phrase.
Which phrase matches a 20% probability?
A slight chance typically represents a 10-30% probability.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Probability Scale
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThe sky is getting dark, but the weather report says there is only a ________ of rain.
'Slight' is the adjective needed to modify the noun 'chance.'
Select the best option:
This sentence correctly uses the phrase to describe a low but realistic probability.
A: Do you think the store is still open? B: It's 9:05 PM. They usually close at 9:00, but ________.
This fits the context of a low probability event (the store still being open).
Which phrase matches a 20% probability?
A slight chance typically represents a 10-30% probability.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Slight chance' is more neutral and common in weather. 'Slim chance' is more informal and often sounds more pessimistic.
No, that is incorrect. You should say 'a slight chance' directly.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in professional and formal writing.
In weather forecasting, it usually means a 20% probability.
It's more specific than 'maybe.' It means 'maybe, but probably not.'
Yes! You can have a slight chance of winning the lottery or getting a promotion.
A 'good chance,' a 'strong possibility,' or a 'high probability.'
It's sarcasm! English speakers often use opposites to be funny or emphatic.
It's better to say 'of rain.' 'Of' is the standard preposition here.
Not better, just more formal. Use 'remote' if you want to sound more academic.
Related Phrases
slim chance
synonymA very small possibility.
remote possibility
similarA chance that is very far from happening.
fat chance
contrastNo chance at all (sarcastic).
outside chance
similarA small chance, often in sports.
fighting chance
builds onA small but real chance if you work hard.
