Possibility, Opportunity and Chance – What’s the Difference?
Hello English learners 👋 Welcome to a new lesson! Today, we’re looking at three words that often feel interchangeable but behave quite differently in real English: possibility, opportunity, and chance.
Understanding the subtle differences between these nouns will help you sound more precise and natural — especially in Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced writing and speaking, where accuracy really matters.
Possibility
Possibility refers to whether something may happen or be true. It focuses on likelihood, not action.
In other words, it answers the question – Is this something that could happen?
Common patterns
- there is / there was a possibility
- possibility of + noun / -ing
- possibility + that-clause
Examples
- There is a possibility that Brian will work abroad.
- There’s a strong possibility that it will rain today.
- Our party’s victory now seems to be a real possibility.
- He began considering the possibility of never seeing his family again.
- The police ruled out the possibility that the neighbour was the murderer.
Key idea:
Possibility is about uncertainty and probability, not about having the means or circumstances to act.
Possibility is about uncertainty and probability, not about having the means or circumstances to act.
Opportunity
Opportunity refers to a favourable situation that allows you to do something. It focuses on action and circumstances.
It answers the question – Do I have the right moment or situation to do this?
Common patterns
- have / get / miss an opportunity
- opportunity to + infinitive
- opportunity of + -ing
Examples
- Everyone will have an opportunity to express their opinion. Possibility, Opportunity, and Chance
- The trip to Oxford was a great opportunity to visit my aunt.
- The footballer missed a golden opportunity to score.
- They’ve been waiting for an opportunity to move to Australia.
- May I take this opportunity to thank you?
Key idea:
Opportunity implies that the conditions are right — or at least better than usual.
Opportunity implies that the conditions are right — or at least better than usual.
Possibility vs opportunity
These two are often confused, especially in writing.
- Possibility = something may happen
- Opportunity = you have the chance to act
Compare:
- There is a slight possibility that I will study in the USA.
(Nothing is decided yet.) - I have an opportunity to study in the USA.
(The option is real and available.)
❌ I have a possibility to study in the USA.
✅ I have an opportunity to study in the USA.
✅ I have an opportunity to study in the USA.
Grammar Tip (B2–C1 Friendly)
Opportunity
-
- opportunity to + infinitive
- opportunity of + -ing
Possibility
-
- possibility of + noun / -ing
- possibility that + clause
Examples
- We rarely have an opportunity to travel.
- There was no possibility of escape.
- She’s considering the possibility of moving house.
- Is there a possibility that it might snow?
Chance
Chance is more informal and more common in spoken English. It overlaps with both possibility and opportunity, depending on context. Possibility, Opportunity, and Chance
Chance = likelihood
- Is there a chance that we’ll get the tickets?
- The business has a good chance of success.
Chance = opportunity
- She was given a chance to explain herself.
- I enjoyed the chance to talk to my niece.
Key idea:
Chance often sounds lighter, more conversational, and less formal than opportunity.
Chance often sounds lighter, more conversational, and less formal than opportunity.
Quick comparison table
| Possibility | Likelihood/doubt | Facts, predictions | Neutral–formal |
| Opportunity | Situation to act | Plans, actions | Neutral |
| Chance | Likelihood or action | Conversation | Informal–neutral |
Exam tip
In Cambridge exams:
- Use possibility when discussing uncertain outcomes.
- Use opportunity when describing advantages, plans, or proposals.
- Use chance carefully — it’s fine in speaking, but opportunity often sounds safer in formal writing.
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