give him a chance

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   Allow someone the opportunity to do something or to show what they can do, especially when you are doubtful at first.

   Grammar: The pronoun comes between give and a chance; with a full noun, you can also say give a chance to someone.

   Patterns

   • give someone a chance
   • give someone a chance to do something

   The coach decided to give him a chance in the second half.

   She's young, but give her a chance to prove herself.

   They gave me a chance to explain what had happened.

2. 2phraseidiominformal

   Be willing to consider someone romantically or as a friend, even if you are not sure at first.

   Grammar: Often used about dating: give him a chance means agree to go out with him or keep seeing him.

   Patterns

   • give someone a chance

   He's not your usual type, but give him a chance.

   My friends kept telling me to give him a chance, so I agreed to dinner.

Common combinations

give someone a fair chance

Everyone deserves a fair chance to apply for the job.

give someone a second chance

After the mistake, his boss gave him a second chance.

give someone a chance to explain

Please give me a chance to explain before you get angry.

not give someone a chance

The noise didn't give me a chance to sleep.

Synonyms and how they differ

let someone try

Focuses on permission to attempt something, while give someone a chance often suggests you are also offering support or belief.

give someone an opportunity

More formal and often about work or study; give someone a chance is warmer and more personal.

Word family

chance noun

An opportunity or possibility.

Practice

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