Grammar fix
miss a chance
lose an opportunity
To not take an opportunity when it is available.
collocationB1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
I didn't apply for the job, so I missed a chance to work abroad.
If I hadn't been so nervous during the interview, I wouldn't have missed a chance to get that position.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I lost the chance to ask.
Say: I missed the chance to ask.
You MISS a chance; 'lose a chance' sounds off (though 'lose an opportunity' is OK).
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
Natives 'miss a/your chance'; 'fail to capitalise on the opportunity' is business-speak.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
miss a chance
- miss
- a chance to
- don't miss
- miss the chance