What is the difference between opportunity, possibility and chance? Difference in the use of the words opportunity and chance Collocations with Possibility.

There is a difference between the English words opportunity, possibility. Yes, we often translate them into Russian the same way: “opportunity”. It is because of this that they are often confused and used incorrectly in sentences. But opportunity and possibility have different meanings and are not synonymous. We cannot replace one of these words with another. Let's see what the difference is between these words, and which of the words should be used in a particular context.

Opportunity

|ɒpəˈtjuːnɪti|

The word means "opportunity". And by this translation we mean “opportunity.” That is, when there is an opportunity to do something. Opportunity can be replaced with the word chance (meaning “chance”).

Examples of using:

This job is a good opportunity for you to develop your skills. — This job is a good opportunity for you to develop your skills.

Work is a good chance/opportunity to develop skills.

She shouldn’t waste the opportunity to get the second higher education. “She shouldn’t miss the opportunity to get a second higher education.”

It was a rare opportunity to visit London for free. “It was a rare opportunity to visit London for free.

Collocations with Opportunity

1. 🔊 Listen to this to grab an opportunity - take advantage/grab an opportunity (chance);
2. 🔊 Listen to this to improve the opportunity - expand opportunities;
3. 🔊 Listen to this to let the opportunity slip / waste the opportunity / miss an opportunity - miss the opportunity;
4. 🔊 Listen to this at the earliest opportunity - at the first opportunity (the word earliest can be replaced with first);
5. 🔊 Listen to this to give an opportunity - provide an opportunity;
6. 🔊 Listen to this to grasp the opportunity - grab the opportunity (take advantage of the chance);
7. 🔊 Listen to this to find an opportunity - find an opportunity;
8. 🔊 Listen to this have no opportunity for doing - not being able to do (instead of doing you can put any necessary verb in the form of a gerund);
9. 🔊 Listen to this employment opportunity - employment opportunity;
10. 🔊 Listen to this borrowing opportunity - the opportunity to obtain a loan (loan);
11. 🔊 Listen to this career opportunity - career opportunity;
12. 🔊 Listen to this afford opportunity - provide opportunity (formal phrase).

Possibility

|ˌpɒsɪˈbɪlɪti|

Possibility is also translated as “opportunity,” but an additional connotation of this word is “probability,” sometimes “prospect.” The word is used when we talk about the possibility (probability) of some event. For example, we have the probability of doing something. You can remember the correct use of possibility by understanding that it is derived from the word possible (possible, probable, feasible).

For example, we can say that a company has the opportunity to expand its scope of activity - this is feasible under specific circumstances, there is a possibility that the company will do it). Or there is a possibility (probability) that you will be selected to do some work.

After the examples and phrases, we will also look at the distinctive features of the words possibility and opportunity.

Does the Government consider a possibility of a strike? – Is the government considering the possibility (probability) of a strike?

He went to London to explore the possibility of opening a bakery. – He went to London to investigate the possibility of opening a bakery.

That is, he studied how realistic it was for him to open a bakery in London.

Collocations with Possibility

1. 🔊 Listen to this possibility of success - possibility (probability) of success;
2. 🔊 Listen to this possibility of failure - the possibility of failure;
3. 🔊 Listen to this to have great possibilities - to have great opportunities (prospects);
4. 🔊 Listen to this to foresee all possibilities - to anticipate all possible options;
5. 🔊 Listen to this to raise a possibility - increase the likelihood of something;
6. 🔊 Listen to this strong possibility - high probability;
7. 🔊 Listen to this exclude the possibility - exclude the possibility.

Possibility VS Opportunity

To finally put everything in order and definitely stop getting confused about the two pine trees... in these two words, let's look at their main characteristics.

1. Interpretation of the word: a favorable time or opportunity to do something;
2. Always corresponds to certain realities. That is, we do not consider the probability of some possibility, but it actually exists.
3. Opportunity is always in the right place at the right time 😉
4. It's hard to turn down because we always know we'll win if we grab the "opportunity"
5. Opportunity is an open door to highly probable success
6. Can often be replaced with the word chance (meaning “chance” / “opportunity”)
7. It often feels like fate itself throws opportunities at us.

Interpretation of the word: the fact that something is possible to happen. When translated into Russian, one can often say not “possibility”, but “probability”. Sometimes when translating we can use the word “perspective”. It is worth remembering that the word “possible” is the same root word.

1. Possibility is a word filled with dreams and hopes when used in a positive way. We hope for the possibility that something good will happen.
2. We don't know if this "opportunity" will actually happen.
3. Can be used both in relation to some good events and bad ones
4. Is accompanied by risks and requires more of our efforts to achieve success.

As you can see, these words cannot be used in the same way. Opportunity, possibility - the difference between them is worth remembering, as they are confused quite often. We hope our article will help you finally understand everything.

Today we will answer our reader’s question: “What is the difference between the words opportunity, possibility and chance?” All these words are translated as “opportunity/chance”. Now you will find out if there is a difference in their use.

Opportunity

Pronunciation and translation:

Opportunity [‚ɒpər’tu:nətɪ] / [apertyu "neti] - opportunity

Meaning of the word:
A time when something is easy for you to do

Use:
This word is used when circumstances are such that you can easily get what you wanted. In Russian we can say that this is an opportunity to do something. For example, sunny weather is a great opportunity to spend time outdoors.

Example:

Possibility

Pronunciation and translation:
Possibility [‚pɒsə’bɪlətɪ] / [pase "ticketi] - possibility

Meaning of the word:
Something that might happen or happen

Use:
We use this word when we talk about the likelihood of doing or trying something. That is, we are talking about the probability that something will happen or occur under certain conditions. But we cannot say for sure that this will happen. For example, the company has the possibility of subsequent expansion.

Example:

He began to explore the possibilities of opening a club in the city
He began to explore the possibility of opening a club in the city.

We couldn't ignore the possibility of an enemy attack.
We could not ignore the possibility of an enemy attack.

Chance

Pronunciation and translation:

Chance / [che’ns] - chance

Meaning of the word:
A time or situation that you can use to do something you want to do

Use:
A situation in which there is an opportunity to do something pleasant, exciting or something that you have long wanted. For example, you have long wanted to go abroad, and now you finally have the chance.

Example:

You will have the chance to meet the star of the show.
You will have a chance to meet the star of the show.

I never get a chance to relax these days.
I never get a chance to rest these days.

What is the difference?

We use opportunity when it comes to the fact that there are favorable circumstances to do or obtain something easily. This is an opportunity that you can take advantage of to achieve what you want. For example, you did your homework faster than usual, and you had the opportunity to go to the movies.

The word is used in the same meaning chance. It is also a favorable set of circumstances when you are able to do something that you really wanted. Words opportunity and chance can replace each other. For example, you passed an interview and got the chance to study abroad.

Possibility we use when we talk about the probability that something will happen, that is, the possibility of something happening. This means that it is impossible to say for sure whether something will happen or not, but there is still a possibility. For example, the possibility of their arrival is not excluded, that is, they will probably come.

Reinforcement task

Fill in the correct word in the following sentences.

1. He had a wonderful ___ rest.
2. You have ___ get a discount.
3. Traveling is ___ meeting new people.
4. It is necessary to take into account ___ depreciation.
5. ___ of his arrival is very large.
6. It was a rare ___ time together.
7. We have ___ send you documents by mail.

Leave your answers in the comments below the article.

Synonymous words always cause confusion during direct translations, which can be oral or written. With reverse translations everything is much simpler, for example, if you are translating an English text in which the words POSSIBILITY, OPPORTUNITY or CHANCE come across, and these are synonymous nouns, then no difficulties are foreseen, since you don’t really need to delve into the subtleties and differences between these words, The context itself will tell you. But with direct translations, it is not enough just to know the meaning; you have to get to the bottom of the true meaning of synonymous words in order to feel the fine line between them, which will allow you to accurately make your choice. First, let’s immediately determine that all three synonymous words POSSIBILITY, OPPORTUNITY and CHANCE refer to nouns that are called nouns with PALE meanings “PALE MEANING”.

So, in order to translate the following sentences into English, which contain the words: “chance, probability or possibility,” we are faced with the choice of which word of three synonymous nouns best suits each sentence.

He missed opportunity (chance) get this job.

Yesterday I didn't have opportunity (chance) talk to her.

Is there any possibility (probability) get the information you need?

To make the right choice, let's look at the true meaning of each noun

I. POSSIBILITY = POSSIBILITY, PROBABILITY. The meaning of the noun “POSSIBILITY” = POSSIBILITY is deciphered as an event that can possibly happen, that is, there are all the prerequisites for this and the probability is quite high. An event can be neutral, pleasant, unpleasant - it does not matter, it simply states the very fact of POSSIBILITY and PROBABILITY. It is clear that we are talking about really possible events, for example, the probability that an elephant will talk is zero, and the probability that it will rain now is high, since the sky is overcast and thunder can be heard.

The noun POSSIBILITY is not tied to a specific person, it simply indicates that there is a probability of some event. Simply put, bad, good or neutral probabilities and possibilities hover around me, however, they have nothing to do with me, I don’t consider them at all in relation to myself, I can’t say that I have them. Therefore, when talking about constructions with the noun POSSIBILITY, we often see the phrase “THERE IS/ARE …”, and the verb “to HAVE” can be found extremely rarely in these constructions. What other verbs can be used in constructions with a noun? These are verbs - “discuss” = “to discuss” and “consider” = “to consider”, because you can discuss and consider the likelihood that an expected event will occur.

I will give a few examples in English.

Is there any possibility of getting tickets for the theater tonight? = Is there any possibility of getting theater tickets for tonight?

There is a possibility of rain. = There is a chance that it will rain.

We discussed the possibility of failure. = We discussed the possibility (probability) of failure.

II. OPPORTUNITY = OPPORTUNITY. The meaning of the noun OPPORTUNITY is exactly the option when a specific person HAS A CONVENIENT AND FAVORABLE CASE, A CHANCE, when we are talking about a PREFERRED or NECESSARY OPTION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EVENTS, about a HAPPY COLLECTION OF CIRCUMSTANCES. Simply put, you are given an OPPORTUNITY or given a CHANCE for which you can be PREPARED and DO NOT MISS IT. Or perhaps vice versa, you LOSE and MISS those opportunities and chances that come into your hands. The noun OPPORTUNITY has a plural form, because there can be many chances.

If we talk about constructions with the noun OPPORTUNITY, then they involve verbs that are tied to a specific person(s).

For example:

to have = to have;

to get = receive, get;

to take = take, use;

to give = give, provide;

to find = find;

to miss = to miss, to miss; to lose = lose, miss;

to seize = to seize, to take advantage of; to grasp = grab;

to provide = provide;

to offer = offer;

to make the most of = take advantage of the best, maximum;

So, constructions with the noun OPPORTUNITY.

the (an) opportunity of doing something.

the (an) opportunity to do something.

an opportunity for someone to do something.

an opportunity for something.

I will write some examples with the noun OPPORTUNITY.

He has the opportunity of going to London for a month next year. = He has the opportunity to go to London for a month next year.

My brother took every opportunity of learning English. = My brother took advantage of every opportunity (every opportunity) to study English.

This family was given the opportunity of moving into a new flat. = This family was given the opportunity to move to a new apartment.

You must find an opportunity to do something about it. = You must find a way to correct the situation.

He has never missed an opportunity of practicing his English. = He never missed an opportunity to practice his English.

A good opportunity is rarely presented and easily lost. = A good opportunity is rare and easily lost.

Adjectives that are very often paired with the noun OPPORTUNITY indicate: good, wonderful, amazing, rare or unique.

good, excellent, wonderful, welcome, rare, unique, golden.

III. CHANCE = OPPORTUNITY, PROBABILITY. In this meaning, the meaning of the noun CHANCE coincides with the noun OPPORTUNITY, only the noun CHANCE is most often used in colloquial English. All constructions with the noun CHANCE are similar to those with the noun OPPORTUNITY.

If we talk about the difference between the nouns CHANCE and OPPORTUNITY, then we need to remember one more meaning of the noun CHANCE - CHANCE. It's about chance, chance, chance. The noun CHANCE is tied to the moment, to the point in time when luck comes, a happy occasion, the wheel of fortune turns. The noun POSSIBILITY poses a choice: to act or not to act, this is an opportunity or opportunities that can be obtained or found without relying on fate.

A few examples.

Now is your chance! = Now is your chance (your finest hour)!

The chance for which one had been waiting. = The chance we've been waiting for.

This is your last chance. = This is your last chance.

He has no chance of passing his exam. = He has no chance to pass the exam.

Features of the use of vocabulary (opportunity, possibility, chance)

Nouns mean “opportunity” and differ in additional characteristics of the concept they express, as well as in stylistic coloring.

Noun possibility has a more neutral meaning compared to other synonyms. It can mean “pleasant” or “unpleasant opportunity,” or it can be completely neutral. This noun is used either with another noun preceded by a preposition of, or with a gerund:

There is a possibility of rain, so take your umbrella.
It may rain, take an umbrella.

Is there any possibility of getting airline tickets for tomorrow?
Is it possible to get plane tickets for tomorrow?

Noun opportunity emphasizes a favorable opportunity and is used with both the gerund and the infinitive:

My friend has the opportunity of going to England for two weeks.
My friend has the opportunity to go to England for two weeks.

The professor gave the students an opportunity to ask questions.
The professor gave students the opportunity to ask questions.

Noun opportunity used with the following verbs:
To have, to find, to get, to give, to take, to seize(grab onto) to grasp(understand), to miss(miss), to waste(to waste) to provide(provide), to offer(suggest):

Why have you missed the opportunity of going overseas as a volunteer?
Why did you miss the opportunity to go abroad as a volunteer?

He seized at the opportunity to express his point of view.
He jumped at the opportunity to express his point of view.

Adjectives that are used with a noun opportunity the following:
good, excellent(great), wonderful(amazing), golden, rare(rare), welcome(long awaited) unique(unique):

David had a rare opportunity of visiting a few African countries.
David had the rare opportunity to visit several African countries.

Anna was given an excellent opportunity of studying at Harvard.
Anya had a great opportunity to study at Harvard.

Nouns chance And opportunity can be interchangeable. However chance used in purely informal communication:

If I had an opportunity / chance of going to Spain for my holiday, I would certainly take it.
If I had the opportunity to go on holiday to Spain, I would definitely take it.

It is also used to mean a lucky chance, a chance. In this meaning it can hardly be replaced by the word opportunity. After a noun chance Both the gerund and the infinitive can be used:

Susan always jumps at the chance of showing off.
Suzanne always jumps at the opportunity to show off.

Peter had a chance to work as an interpreter at an international conference in summer, which was very good practice for him.
Petit had the opportunity to work as a translator at an international conference in the summer, which was good practice for him.

Note:
Noun possibility almost never used with a verb to have(have the possibility).

To test acquired knowledge on the use of nouns possibility, opportunity, chance We invite you to take the test on our website.

Learning English is not only about mastering grammatical rules, the ability to read and translate. It is also the ability to choose the right word in a conversation at the right time. In this article we will talk about cases of using such words with similar meanings as opportunity, possibility, luck, chance.

Possibility

This word is translated as “probability”, “possibility”. Possibility and its derivatives are used when talking about something that can be done or can happen by itself. Let's take a closer look at examples.

One of the meanings, as just mentioned, means possibility, when what happens depends on the person. In this context possible (when something can be done) – what can be done, and possibility (one of the things that you could try to do) – something you can try to do.

Travel to other planets may soon be possible. – Travel to other planets will soon become possible.

The only possible way of getting your money back is to go to the police. - The only one possible The way to get your money back is to contact the police.

Beth decided that she wanted to start her own business, and began to explore her possibilities. – Beth decided that she wanted to start her own business and began to study her possibilities.

Useful phrases:

• It is possible to do sth- it is possible to do something.
  

  Is it possible to find a room in a good hotel for less than $100? – Is it possible to find a room in a nice hotel for less than $100?

• If possible (if it is possible to do it) - if it is possible.
  

  I want to see you tomorrow at 7 p.m. if possible. – I would like to see you tomorrow at 7 pm, if possible.

• As soon as possible- As soon as possible.
  

  Call me back as soon as possible. - Call me back As soon as possible.

• Everything possible (everything that can possibly be done) - everything possible.
  

  The doctors did everything possible to save her life. - Doctors did everything possible to save her life.

Second meaning of words possibility And possible shows less dependence of the result on the person. In this case possible- this is when there is a chance that something can happen or come true.

Accidents are always possible in heavy industries like mining. - Accidents possible in heavy industry, such as mining.

– I think I saw Emily in the street. – I think I saw Emily on the street.
– It is not possible! She's abroad! - This impossible! She's abroad!

His victory in the election seems to be a real possibility. – His victory in the elections seems to be really possible.

Useful phrases and words:

• It is possible for- maybe, maybe.
  

  It is possible for more than one person to win the competition. – In competition Maybe defeat more than one person.

• It is possible that- there is a possibility that.
  

  It is possible that the children are still playing in the garden. – There is a possibility that the children are still playing in the garden.

• Possibly- probably.
  

  He couldn't possibly be released from prison within 3 years. - He, probably, will be out of prison within three years.

• Possibility of- opportunity.
  

  They couldn't ignore the possibility of his escape. “They couldn’t ignore him.” opportunity escape.

• A distinct possibility (something that is likely to happen) - Great chance.
  

  There is a distinct possibility that they will marry. - Eat Great chance that they will get married.

• There is a possibility (of/that) (used to say that it is possible that something will happen) – there is a possibility, probably.
  

  There is a possibility of rain in May. - In May probable rains.

In the last example the word possibility can be replaced by chance. By the way, it’s time to move on to considering the meanings and uses of this word!

Chance

It's easy to guess that the word chance translated into Russian means “chance”. What do we call chance? This is an opportunity to do something pleasant and exciting, something that you want. Often this lexical unit is used when talking about an opportunity that appears suddenly and is not a pattern.

Useful phrases:

• To have the chance- have the opportunity, if possible.
  

  It’s beautiful town – you should visit it if you have the chance. – This is a beautiful city, you should visit it if possible.

• Give somebody a chance to do something- give someone a chance to do something.
  

  I want you to give me the chance to speak right now. - I want you to gave me a chance to speak right now.

• A second chance (another chance when you’ve failed the first one) – second chance, one more chance.
  

  Viewers will have a second chance to see a concert on our channel today. - The audience will have second chance watch the concert on our channel today.

• Take the chance to do something (use a chance when you have one) - to take the chance.
  

  Take the chance to visit your parents while you are still in this country. – Take the chance see your parents while you are still in this country.

• Smb's last chance (when you will not have another chance) - last chance.
  

  It was her last chance to read this letter. - It was hers last chance read this letter.

• Miss a chance (not use a chance when you have it) - Lose the chance.
  

  Kate never misses the chance of a free dinner. -Kate never misses the chance have a free lunch.

• Jump at the chance of doing something (eagerly do something exciting when you get the chance) – seize the opportunity.
  

  You are so lucky. I'd jump at the chance of going to another country. - You are so lucky. I wish I could grabbed the opportunity go to another country.

According to most examples, a chance is regarded as an opportunity to do something, and you are probably already wondering what the difference is between the words chance And opportunity. The last word is very similar in meaning. However, is it different in any way? Let's figure it out.

Opportunity

Opportunity is a chance to do something that is important or useful for you(a chance to do something that is important to you or useful to you). As we see, opportunity– this is also a chance, but it is better to use it when we are talking about something very important and significant. It is translated as “opportunity”, “prospect”.

Useful phrases:

• Have the opportunity to do sth- to have a possibility.
  

  She didn't have the opportunity to pay the rent last year. - She has it was not possible paid rent last year.

• Opportunity for smb to do sth– an opportunity for someone to do something.
  

  Companies should provide more opportunities for workers to broaden their skills. – Companies should provide workers more opportunities for developing your skills.

• Take/Seize an opportunity (use an opportunity) - use a chance.
  

  I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you the truth. - I would like to take advantage of this opportunity and tell you the truth.

• Miss an opportunity (not use an opportunity when you have one) - to lose an opportunity.
  

  He missed an opportunity to be promoted. - He missed the opportunity get a raise.

• Career/Job opportunities (chances to find a job) – career prospects.
  

  Do you know what career opportunities do you have? - Do you know what career prospects do you have?

• Golden opportunity (an extremely good opportunity that is very unlikely to happen again) is a brilliant opportunity. A stronger synonym is the chance of a lifetime(chance of a lifetime).
  

  This is a golden opportunity I'd been waiting for. - This great opportunity, which I've been waiting for!

Because the golden opportunity- this is some kind of incredible opportunity that is unlikely to happen again and falls to everyone, the person who is lucky can be called lucky. Let's get to the word luck, which perfectly conveys this context.

Luck

A lucky coincidence is called luck. If you are lucky, you can safely use it and similar words: by chance(due to chance), by accident(accidentally), coincidence(coincidence), fate(fate), fluke(fluke).

Useful phrases:

• By chance- accidentally.
  

  I met an old friend by chance on the plane. - I accidentally met with an old friend on board the plane.

• By accident- accidentally.
  

  I've got involved in this by accident. - I accidentally got involved in this.

• Coincidence (surprising situation, when two similar things happen at the same time) - coincidence.
  

  What coincidence! I didn’t know you were going here too. - Which coincidence! I didn't know you were coming here too.

• It’s a matter of luck (it depends on luck) – a matter of chance (luck).
  

  Roulette is just a matter of luck. – Roulette – matter of chance (Good luck).

• By a twist of fate- by the will of fate.
  

  By a strange twist of fate, the twin brothers married the twin sisters. – By a strange twist of fate Twin brothers married twin sisters.

Now you know how to describe your capabilities and what word to choose in different cases. We hope this article was useful to you and you will not miss the opportunity to use all these words in practice very soon.

Don't forget to download a list of words on the topic and take a short test to reinforce the material. Good luck!

(*.pdf, 225 Kb)

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