By any chance

phrase

Used to ask if something is possible or could happen.

Were you, by any chance, going to the post office?
Visual representation of "by any chance" - Used to ask if something is possible or could happen

Often appears as...

  • do you know
  • by any chance

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Used to make a polite request.

Could you help me with this, by any chance?
Visual representation of "by any chance" - Used to make a polite request

Often appears as...

  • could you
  • by any chance

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Used to ask if something is possible or could happen.

Were you, by any chance, going to the post office?
Visual representation of "by any chance" - Used to ask if something is possible or could happen

Often appears as...

  • do you know
  • by any chance

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Used to make a polite request.

Could you help me with this, by any chance?
Visual representation of "by any chance" - Used to make a polite request

Often appears as...

  • could you
  • by any chance

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "by any chance"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Subtle Uncertainty

'By any chance' adds a gentle tone of uncertainty and is less direct than just asking a question.

Illustration for Subtle Uncertainty
Do you know, by any chance, when the store closes?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Low Expectations

It implies that you don't expect the person to know the answer but you're asking just in case.

Illustration for Low Expectations
You wouldn't have seen my keys, by any chance?
LampPro Tip 3/3

Polite Interruption

Using it at the start of a question is polite, especially when interrupting or speaking to a stranger.

Illustration for Polite Interruption
By any chance, could you tell me the time?
LampPro Tip 1/3

Subtle Uncertainty

'By any chance' adds a gentle tone of uncertainty and is less direct than just asking a question.

Illustration for Subtle Uncertainty
Do you know, by any chance, when the store closes?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Low Expectations

It implies that you don't expect the person to know the answer but you're asking just in case.

Illustration for Low Expectations
You wouldn't have seen my keys, by any chance?
LampPro Tip 3/3

Polite Interruption

Using it at the start of a question is polite, especially when interrupting or speaking to a stranger.

Illustration for Polite Interruption
By any chance, could you tell me the time?
LampPro Tip 1/3

Subtle Uncertainty

'By any chance' adds a gentle tone of uncertainty and is less direct than just asking a question.

Illustration for Subtle Uncertainty
Do you know, by any chance, when the store closes?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Low Expectations

It implies that you don't expect the person to know the answer but you're asking just in case.

Illustration for Low Expectations
You wouldn't have seen my keys, by any chance?
LampPro Tip 3/3

Polite Interruption

Using it at the start of a question is polite, especially when interrupting or speaking to a stranger.

Illustration for Polite Interruption
By any chance, could you tell me the time?
Visual representation of the word "By any chance"

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