alc24  +  886781 Fri, 04 Sep 09 06:17 PM Which do you say and is the sentence correct? 1 My chances/odds of winning are smaller than my chances of losing 2 My chances of winning are smaller than those of losing. Is 2 correct? thanks alc24 Joined on Sat, Jul 25 2009 Contributing Member 1,447 Sentences

	ferdis  +  886875 Fri, 04 Sep 09 07:28 PM Be consistent, and don't compare odds to chances; hence, use 'chances' in (1). I believe the sentences are correct. I'm not quite sure about that 'my chances / those' combination in the second, but I think it is technically correct. However, it sounds a bit like you are comparing two different things: your (individual) chances of winning and the (general) chances of losing. Therefore I like the first better.   Note that there is a subtle difference between chances and odds: 'odds' represent a ratio of probability, such as 3:1 (three to one; out of 4 times it will happen 3 times and one time not), while 'chances' represent a direct probability, such as 75%, which equals 3:1 odds.   In gambling, the pay-outs are usually given in odds (3:1 means that for every coin you bet, three will be returned to you in case you win). The chances of winning are usually lower. ferdis Joined on Tue, Aug 4 2009 The Netherlands Full Member 388 Difference Between, Sentences

	CalifJim  +  886893 Fri, 04 Sep 09 07:49 PM alc24 “Is 2 correct?” Yes, but I think most people would say "my chances" again instead of "those".  "those" usually contrasts with "the", not "my". CJ CalifJim Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004 California Veteran Member 22,463 "There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche