perhaps

perhaps — adverb

1. used to say something may be true, may happen, or may be the right choice, while

1.adverbA2
Definition

used to say something may be true, may happen, or may be the right choice, while the speaker is not fully sure.

Example

Perhaps Maya left her umbrella on the train this morning.

sentence opener: perhaps + clause

Perhaps someone is waiting at the gate outside.

Common collocations
  • perhaps later
  • perhaps tomorrow
  • or perhaps
  • perhaps the answer
Synonyms
  • maybe

    usually sounds more conversational and less careful than 'perhaps'

  • possibly

    often sounds slightly more formal and less natural in casual speech

  • conceivably

    much rarer and usually used for more distant possibilities

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

perhaps + clause

clause + perhaps

or + alternative + perhaps

Usage Note

Often placed at the start of a sentence, but it can also come after the word or option it qualifies. Distinguish from adverb/3, where 'perhaps' mainly softens what you say to another person.

Common Mistakes

Perhaps he will maybe come later.
Perhaps he will come later.
avoid stacking two uncertainty adverbs in the same place.

2. placed before a figure or quantity expression when the speaker is giving only an

2.adverbB1
Definition

placed before a figure or quantity expression when the speaker is giving only an estimate.

Example

Perhaps thirty guests stayed for coffee after the wedding.

perhaps + number for a rough estimate

The walk takes perhaps ten minutes from the station.

Common collocations
  • perhaps thirty
  • perhaps ten minutes
  • perhaps half a cup
  • perhaps five more
Synonyms
  • about

    very common before numbers in speech and writing

  • around

    common in everyday speech, especially in American English

  • approximately

    more formal and more common in reports or technical writing

Antonyms
  • exactly

    shows that the figure is precise

Grammar Patterns

perhaps + number

perhaps + amount

perhaps + measure phrase

Usage Note

Used directly before a number or amount expression, not before an exact figure you are giving as a fact. Distinguish from adverb/1: here the uncertainty is only about quantity, not the whole situation.

Common Mistakes

There were perhaps exactly 500 people there.
There were perhaps 500 people there.' / 'There were exactly 500 people there.
'perhaps' and 'exactly' point in opposite directions.

3. used to make advice, a suggestion, or your opinion sound less direct.

3.adverbB2
Definition

used to make advice, a suggestion, or your opinion sound less direct.

Example

Perhaps we should call Mrs. Chen before we drive over.

perhaps + should for a polite suggestion

This room is, perhaps, too small for twelve parents.

parenthetical perhaps for a softened opinion

Common collocations
  • perhaps we should
  • perhaps you could
  • perhaps too small
  • perhaps safer
Synonyms
  • maybe

    can also soften advice, but it sounds more casual

  • possibly

    can soften a request, though it is less common in everyday speech

  • arguably

    fits softened opinions, but not polite requests

Antonyms
  • frankly

    signals a more direct, open statement

  • plainly

    makes the speaker sound more definite

Grammar Patterns

perhaps + subject + should

perhaps + subject + could

be + perhaps + adjective

Usage Note

Common with 'should', 'could', and evaluative adjectives when the speaker wants to sound careful or less forceful. More interpersonal than adverb/1, which simply marks uncertainty.

Common Mistakes

Perhaps close the door.
Perhaps you could close the door.
in polite requests, 'perhaps' usually comes with a subject and often a modal such as 'could' or 'should'.

perhaps — noun

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

'Perhaps' and 'maybe' both show uncertainty, but 'perhaps' usually sounds a little more careful or formal. 'Possibly' is close in meaning, though it often appears in more planned or written English. 'Probably' is different because it shows a stronger belief that something is true or will happen. 'Conceivably' is rarer and suggests a weaker, more distant possibility, often one the speaker does not really expect. For everyday conversation, 'maybe' is often the easiest choice; for a slightly softer or more thoughtful tone, 'perhaps' fits well. Compare: 'Maybe Ben missed the bus' sounds casual, while 'Perhaps Ben missed the bus' sounds more measured. 'Ben probably missed the bus' shows much more confidence.

perhaps ↗maybe ↗possibly ↗probably ↗conceivably

Etymology

Old NorseMiddle EnglishEnglish

Perhaps was formed in Middle English from 'per' and 'hap', an old word meaning 'chance' or 'luck'. The same old idea of chance also appears in words such as 'happen' and 'happy'. Over time the two parts came together as one word, and 'perhaps' became a common way to leave room for uncertainty.