Possibility vs You have a chance to win

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Possibility

Top 2,000 (common)A2noun

You have a chance to win

Top 2,000 (common)
 PossibilityYou have a chance to win
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˌpɒsəˈbɪləti/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌpɑːsəˈbɪləti/"]/🇬🇧 //jʊ hæv ə tʃɑːns tə wɪn//🇺🇸 //jə hæv ə tʃæns tə wɪn//
MeaningSomething that might happen or be true.You might get lucky and receive something.
ExampleThere is a possibility of rain tomorrow, so take your umbrella.In this contest, you have a chance to win a valuable prize!
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelA2-
Part of speechnoun
Collocationsexciting, 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 possibilitieshave a fair chance, give someone a chance, take a chance, chance of winning, chance to compete
Antonymsimpossibility, certainty-
Common mistakesConfusing '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 'you have the ability to win' - 'chance' implies luck., Used in incorrect contexts - avoid using for guaranteed outcomes., Overusing with negative scenarios - 'chance' generally has a positive connotation.
Usage notesUse '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 in contexts where opportunity or luck is being discussed, often in competitions or lotteries.

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Possibility
You have a chance to win

Frequently asked questions: Possibility vs You have a chance to win

What's the difference between Possibility and You have a chance to win?

Possibility: Something that might happen or be true. You have a chance to win: You might get lucky and receive something.

Can you show an example of each?

Possibility: There is a possibility of rain tomorrow, so take your umbrella. You have a chance to win: In this contest, you have a chance to win a valuable prize!

Can I use Possibility and You have a chance to win interchangeably?

Not always. Possibility and You have a chance to win 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.

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