SpeakUp

Grammar fix

miss a chance

lose an opportunity

To not take an opportunity when it is available.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I didn't apply for the job, so I missed a chance to work abroad.daily life
  • If I hadn't been so nervous during the interview, I wouldn't have missed a chance to get that position.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: miss a/the chance (to do something)

WrongI lost the chance to ask.

RightI missed the chance to ask.

You MISS a chance; 'lose a chance' sounds off (though 'lose an opportunity' is OK).

Patternmiss a/the chance (to do something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I failed to capitalise on the opportunity that arose.

Natural I missed my chance.

Natives 'miss a/your chance'; 'fail to capitalise on the opportunity' is business-speak.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • miss a chance
    missa chance todon't missmiss the chance

Don't confuse it

'Miss a chance' focuses on regret or disappointment about not doing something, while 'lose a chance' is less common.

Try it in Daily Speak →