chances

chances — noun

1. the degree to which something seems likely to happen or succeed

1.名詞B1
釋義

the degree to which something seems likely to happen or succeed

例句

Doctors say Hao's chances of recovery are much better after the operation.

chances of + recovery

Apinya knew our chances of finding seats were low on Friday night.

chances of + verb-ing

同義詞
  • possibility

    broader and less tied to a judged level of success

  • likelihood

    more formal and often based on evidence or analysis

  • odds

    more numerical or competitive, especially in sport or gambling

反義詞

文法句型

chances of + noun / verb-ing

good chances of something

improve someone's chances

用法筆記

Usually followed by of + noun or verb-ing. This sense is about how likely a result is, not about an opening to act as in noun sense 2.

常見錯誤

❌Our chance of winning are high.
✅Our chances of winning are high.
💡Use the plural when you talk about the level of possibility for a group or result.
❌Our chances to win are slim.
✅Our chances of winning are slim.
💡After this sense, English usually uses 'of + -ing' rather than an infinitive.

2. openings or moments that let someone do something useful, wanted, or needed

2.名詞B1
釋義

openings or moments that let someone do something useful, wanted, or needed

例句

Paloma was grateful for the chances to practise English with visiting students.

chances to + verb

Darius missed two chances to ask the manager about the holiday schedule.

miss chances to + verb

同義詞
  • opportunities

    slightly more formal and often broader in scope

  • openings

    stresses that a way forward becomes available

  • shots

    more informal and common for attempts in sport or competition

反義詞
  • obstacles

    things that block action instead of allowing it

  • barriers

    emphasizes restrictions or limits on action

文法句型

have chances to + verb

give someone chances

miss chances

用法筆記

Often used in the plural when someone has more than one opening or attempt. Distinguish from noun sense 1, which is about likelihood rather than an actual opening.

常見錯誤

❌The fair gave local painters possibilities to meet buyers.
✅The fair gave local painters chances to meet buyers.
💡Use this sense for practical openings to do something.
❌I had a chance to ask her twice.
✅I had chances to ask her twice.
💡Use the plural if there were several separate opportunities.

3. possible dangers, especially when you act anyway or fail to protect yourself

3.名詞B2
釋義

possible dangers, especially when you act anyway or fail to protect yourself

例句

Ishaan never takes chances with loose ropes on a mountain trail.

take chances with something

Lisa hid the pills high up to reduce chances of poisoning.

reduce chances of something bad

同義詞
  • risks

    the closest everyday synonym for possible harm or loss

  • hazards

    more formal and often used for specific dangerous conditions

  • dangers

    stronger and more direct about the threat itself

反義詞
  • safety

    the condition of being protected from harm

  • protection

    steps taken to keep danger away

文法句型

take chances with something

take no chances

reduce the chances of something bad

用法筆記

Common in phrases like take chances and take no chances. This sense focuses on danger or exposure, unlike noun sense 1, which measures likelihood in a neutral way.

常見錯誤

❌Do not take chance with electricity.
✅Do not take chances with electricity.
💡This warning pattern normally uses the plural form.
❌They reduced the chances to a fire.
✅They reduced the chances of a fire.
💡Use of after chances when naming the bad event.

chances — verb