Cool MatePerhaps we'll find out vs Probably
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Perhaps we'll find out
Top 3,000 (common)
Probably
Top 1,000 (very common)A1adverb
Most common: Probably
| Perhaps we'll find out | Probably | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //pəˈhæps wiːl faɪnd aʊt//🇺🇸 //pəˈhæps wil faɪnd aʊt// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈprɒbəbli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈprɑːbəbli/"]/ |
| Meaning | Maybe we will learn more later. | most likely; it seems that something will happen |
| Example | Perhaps we'll find out the answer by tomorrow. | You're **probably right**. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | find out more, find out soon, find out later | probably going to, probably not, probably true |
| Antonyms | - | unlikely, improbable |
| Common mistakes | Using 'maybe' instead of 'perhaps' in formal contexts., Omitting 'we'll' and saying just 'Perhaps find out.', Confusing 'perhaps' with 'perchance,' which is outdated. | Using 'probably' with negative verbs incorrectly, 'Probably' used too frequently can sound unsure, Confusing 'probably' with 'probably not' |
| Usage notes | Used when suggesting a possibility without certainty. It's appropriate for both formal and informal conversations. | Use 'probably' when you want to indicate that something is likely true or will happen. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English, but avoid in very formal contexts where more certain language is expected. |
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Frequently asked questions: Perhaps we'll find out vs Probably
What's the difference between Perhaps we'll find out and Probably?
Perhaps we'll find out: Maybe we will learn more later. Probably: most likely; it seems that something will happen
Which is more common: Perhaps we'll find out and Probably?
Probably is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Perhaps we'll find out: Perhaps we'll find out the answer by tomorrow. Probably: You're **probably right**.
Can I use Perhaps we'll find out and Probably interchangeably?
Not always. Perhaps we'll find out and Probably are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.