What does “by any chance” mean?
"By any chance" makes a question or request softer. It means something like "possibly" or "if you happen to...", and it often shows polite hope rather than exact probability.
When people say it
- Ask for information someone may happen to have. Example: "Do you have one in Mandarin, by any chance?"
- Make a small request sound gentler. Example: "Could you tell me the Wi-Fi password, by any chance?"
- Add a special request when ordering or paying. Example: "Could you ring this up separately, by any chance?"
- Use "any chance..." to ask if something is possible. Example: "Any chance you could send it today?"
Tone: Neutral and polite in everyday English; it is softer than a direct question, but your voice still matters.
In 12 of Lin's scenes
Real lines from the scenes. Open one to watch it and say it yourself.
Other ways to say it
Close in meaning, but a little more direct or formal.
Very natural for asking if someone knows or has something by luck.
More formal and more polite, especially for requests.
Quick answers
Is "by any chance" rude or passive-aggressive?
Usually not. It is normally a polite softener. It only sounds bad if the speaker's tone is cold or if they keep asking for more and more.
What is the difference between "by any chance" and "any chance"?
"By any chance" usually goes inside a question: "Do you know it, by any chance?" "Any chance..." often starts a request about possibility: "Any chance you could help?"