“What are the chances of + verb-ing” is a useful phrase in spoken English. We use it to talk about possibility or probability in a casual way. It often shows surprise or curiosity about something happening. For example, if you meet a friend unexpectedly, you can say, “What are the chances of meeting you here?” It is very common in daily conversations at home, work, or while traveling. Instead of using difficult words, this phrase helps you sound natural and friendly. You can use it when something is unlikely or when you are amazed by a situation.
◎ Important Points
- Always use verb + ing form after “of”
- It is used to talk about possibility or chance
- Common in informal conversations
- Often shows surprise or coincidence
- Do not use base verb after “of”
- Can be used for both positive and negative situations
- Helps you sound more natural in speaking
➤Key Concept
✅ Sentence Structure: Subject + are/is + the chances of + verb-ing
Example:
What are the chances of getting a promotion this year?
Concept:
We use this structure to ask or talk about how likely something is to happen.
Tip:
Always remember: after “of,” use verb + ing, not the base verb.
➤ Common Mistakes To Avoid
| Common Mistake | Wrong Example | Correct Example |
|---|---|---|
| Using base verb instead of -ing | What are the chances of win the game? | What are the chances of winning the game? |
| Missing “of” | What are the chances meeting him? | What are the chances of meeting him? |
| Wrong verb form | What are the chances of to meet her? | What are the chances of meeting her? |
| Using wrong structure | Chances are what of meeting him? | What are the chances of meeting him? |
| Using past tense incorrectly | What are the chances of met him? | What are the chances of meeting him? |
➤ Examples
- What are the chances of meeting you here at the mall?
- What are the chances of getting tickets for the concert?
- What are the chances of finishing this work today?
- What are the chances of finding a taxi at this hour?
- What are the chances of him calling you back?
- What are the chances of getting a seat on the train?
- What are the chances of passing the exam without studying?
- What are the chances of rain this evening?
- What are the chances of seeing her again?
- What are the chances of getting a job in this company?
➤ Practice Examples
Fill in the blanks
- What are the chances of ______ (meet) him again?
- What are the chances of ______ (get) a promotion?
- What are the chances of ______ (find) my lost phone?
- What are the chances of ______ (win) this match?
- What are the chances of ______ (travel) abroad this year?
Change incorrect sentence to correct one
- What are the chances of win this game?
- What are the chances meeting her?
- What are the chances of to get a job?
- What are the chances of met him again?
- What are the chances of find a solution?
Speak this sentence aloud
- What are the chances of meeting my boss today?
- What are the chances of getting late for work?
- What are the chances of seeing him at the party?
- What are the chances of finishing this task quickly?
- What are the chances of missing the train?
