Grammar fix
a fighting chance
a real but difficult possibility of success
a small but genuine possibility of achieving something, even though it will be very hard and success is not likely.
collocationC1occasional
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
If we start now, we still have a fighting chance of finishing the project on time.
In my opinion, everyone deserves a fighting chance to succeed, regardless of their background.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: We have a fighting chance to win the case.
Say: We have a fighting chance of winning the case.
'A fighting chance OF -ing', not 'to'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'A fighting chance' carries 'small but real, and worth fighting for' in three words.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
give/have a fighting chance
- give
- have
- of winning
- at