had/took a chance

[kohyoongliat]

Eight-year-old Rynal Gunasegaran has never visited the US, but yesterday he had/took a chance to ask President George Bush a question he had always been curious about.

Which word should I use?

Thank you very much.

[Ouisch]

Either one could be correct, depending upon the context.

"Had a chance" means that he had an opportunity to ask the president a question.

"Took a chance" implies that his question might be offensive or inappropriate, but he decided to ask the president anyway.

[fiona bramble]

Eight-year-old Rynal Gunasegaran has never visited the US, but yesterday he had/took a chance to ask President George Bush a question he had always been curious about.

Which word should I use?

Thank you very much.

had; the context is not ambiguous; Rynal had one or his first opportunity to ask the President a question. "Take a chance" is not appropriate here.
F