Cool MateA chance maybe vs Possibility
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
A chance maybe
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Possibility
Top 2,000 (common)A2noun
Most common: Possibility
| A chance maybe | Possibility | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ə tʃɑːns ˈmeɪbi//🇺🇸 //ə tʃæns ˈmeɪbi// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌpɒsəˈbɪləti/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌpɑːsəˈbɪləti/"]/ |
| Meaning | An opportunity that might happen. | Something that might happen or be true. |
| Example | There’s a chance maybe we’ll get to see the concert after all. | There is a possibility of rain tomorrow, so take your umbrella. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | take a chance maybe, give it a chance maybe, there is a chance maybe | 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 |
| Antonyms | - | impossibility, certainty |
| Common mistakes | Misuse it when trying to express certainty., Omitting a comma in written form., Confusing with 'a chances' - 'chance' is singular. | 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. |
| Usage notes | Use when suggesting a possibility, but not guaranteed. Casual, often used in conversation or informal writing. | 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. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: A chance maybe vs Possibility
What's the difference between A chance maybe and Possibility?
A chance maybe: An opportunity that might happen. Possibility: Something that might happen or be true.
Which is more common: A chance maybe and Possibility?
Possibility is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
A chance maybe: There’s a chance maybe we’ll get to see the concert after all. Possibility: There is a possibility of rain tomorrow, so take your umbrella.
Can I use A chance maybe and Possibility interchangeably?
Not always. A chance maybe and Possibility 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.