chance of snow

[optimistic pessimist]

This multiple-choice question is from a Japanese college entrance exam.

According to the weather forecast, the chance of ( ) today is about 90%.
➀ snows　② it snows　③ it snowing　④ the snowing

The answer is #3. However, compared to "the chance of snow" "the chance of it snowing" looks redundant and seems much less likely to be used.

Do you think saying "the chance of it snowing" in this context sounds natural even if it's much less common?

 

[emsr2d2]

I'd be more likely to say "the chance of it snowing" than "the chance of snow". The latter sounds like something a weather forecaster would say.

 

[Tarheel]

"The chance of it snowing" is not redundant. (It doesn't say the same thing twice.) I would probably use "the chance of snow" there. Less typing.

There are several possibilities, and I might use any one of them.

It's going to snow tomorrow.
Snow is in the forecast.
They say it's going to snow tomorrow.
We might get snow.
There's a chance of snow.
There's a possibility that it might snow.
There's a chance of it snowing.

 

[teechar]

However, compared to "the chance of snow"

But that is not an option, unless you mistyped choice "a".