by any chance
Is it possible
By any chance is a polite softener when asking about possibilities, especially unlikely ones: Are you by any chance related to the famous composer?
It signals that the speaker doesn't expect a yes but is curious enough to ask.
The phrase can also express hope: Do you by any chance have jumper cables?
Expressing uncertainty
- maybeExpression of uncertainty
- possiblyWith some likelihood
- perchanceArchaic word for maybe
- conceivablyWithin imagination's reach
as it happens · do you · would you · could you · wondering · asking · curious · inquiring
Chance something will occur
- oddsLikelihood expressed numerically
- prospectPotential client or opportunity
- possibilityState of being achievable
- probabilityQuantified chance of occurrence
potential · eventuality · long shot · happenstance · coincidence · fortuity
With optimistic expectation
- optimisticallyWith positive expectations
- wishfullyWith unrealistic hope
- expectantlyIn an awaiting manner
- fingers crossedGesture wishing for luck
ideally · with any luck · God willing · eagerly · longingly
perhaps
Expressing uncertainty
conceivably · as it happens · do you · would you · could you · wondering · asking · curious · inquiring · querying
likelihood
Chance something will occur
- oddsLikelihood expressed numerically
- prospectPotential client or opportunity
- possibilityState of being achievable
probability · potential · eventuality · long shot · happenstance · coincidence · fortuity
hopefully
With optimistic expectation
- optimisticallyWith positive expectations
- wishfullyWith unrealistic hope
- expectantlyIn an awaiting manner
fingers crossed · ideally · with any luck · God willing · eagerly · longingly
by any chancecertainly
Without any doubt
definitely · without a doubt · of course · for certain · surely
by any chancewithout fail
Certainly, every time
no excuses · necessarily · imperatively · do it now · right now