Cool MatePossibility vs We had one shot
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Possibility
Top 2,000 (common)A2noun
We had one shot
Top 2,000 (common)
| Possibility | We had one shot | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌpɒsəˈbɪləti/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌpɑːsəˈbɪləti/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //wiː hæd wʌn ʃɒt//🇺🇸 //wi hæd wʌn ʃɑt// |
| Meaning | Something that might happen or be true. | We had one chance. |
| Example | There is a possibility of rain tomorrow, so take your umbrella. | We had one shot to win the game, and we took it. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | exciting, interesting, intriguing, allow somebody, create, offer somebody, exist, remain, possibility for, possibility of, not beyond the bounds of possibility, within the realm of possibility, a number of possibilities, exciting, interesting, intriguing, allow somebody, create, offer somebody, exist, remain, possibility for, possibility of, not beyond the bounds of possibility, within the realm of possibility, a number of possibilities | missed shot, final shot, lucky shot |
| Antonyms | impossibility, certainty | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'possibility' with 'probability' (possibility is broader)., Using 'possibility' when a more definite word like 'surety' is needed., Incorrectly using it as a verb instead of a noun. | Confused with 'got a shot' implying a possibility instead of chance., Using 'shot' to mean 'attempt' in formal contexts., Misplacing the phrase contextually, thinking it means a literal shot. |
| Usage notes | Use 'possibility' when discussing potential events or situations. It's suitable for both spoken and written language. Avoid informal contexts where simpler words may be more appropriate. | Use this expression when referring to a single opportunity to succeed. Suitable for conversations and storytelling, but may be considered too informal in very formal writing contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Possibility vs We had one shot
What's the difference between Possibility and We had one shot?
Possibility: Something that might happen or be true. We had one shot: We had one chance.
Can you show an example of each?
Possibility: There is a possibility of rain tomorrow, so take your umbrella. We had one shot: We had one shot to win the game, and we took it.
Can I use Possibility and We had one shot interchangeably?
Not always. Possibility and We had one shot 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.