A2adverb 1K

Perhaps

🇬🇧 UK /["/pəˈhæps//præps/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/pərˈhæps/"]/

Meaning of Perhaps

possibly

In simple words: maybe; it might be true

Perhaps in a sentence

• ‘Are you going to come?’ ‘Perhaps. I'll see how I feel.’
• Perhaps he's forgotten.
• This is perhaps his best novel to date.
• He had a difficult upbringing, which perhaps explains why he behaves like that.
• a change which could affect perhaps 20 per cent of the population
• ‘You could do it yourself.’ ‘Yeah, perhaps.’
• Perhaps it would be better if you came back tomorrow.
• I think perhaps you've had enough to drink tonight.
• Perhaps you’d like to have a shower before the others arrive.
• Perhaps you would be good enough to let him know we are on our way.

How to use Perhaps

Use 'perhaps' in formal writing or speech. It's less common in casual conversations, where 'maybe' is preferred. Avoid using it when being certain.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'per-haps' as a way to say 'for a moment, maybe'.

Related words

Collocations with Perhaps

• perhaps we should
• perhaps it is
• perhaps he thought

Synonyms for Perhaps

• maybe
• possibly
• likely
• conceivably
• maybe not

Opposites of Perhaps

• definitely
• certainly

Common mistakes with Perhaps

• 'Perhaps' can't be used as a noun.
• Confused with 'perchance', which is more archaic.
• Using 'perhaps' in very direct or commanding statements.

Frequently asked questions about Perhaps

What does Perhaps mean?

maybe; it might be true

What is the definition of Perhaps?

possibly

How do you use Perhaps in a sentence?

‘Are you going to come?’ ‘Perhaps. I'll see how I feel.’

Can you give another example of Perhaps?

Perhaps he's forgotten.

What are synonyms for Perhaps?

Common alternatives include maybe, possibly, likely, conceivably, maybe not.

What is the opposite of Perhaps?

Opposite meanings include definitely, certainly.

What words go with Perhaps?

It commonly pairs with perhaps we should, perhaps it is, perhaps he thought.

What are common mistakes when using Perhaps?

'Perhaps' can't be used as a noun. Confused with 'perchance', which is more archaic. Using 'perhaps' in very direct or commanding statements.

How do you pronounce Perhaps?

US: /["/pərˈhæps/"]/, UK: /["/pəˈhæps//præps/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Perhaps?

Use 'perhaps' in formal writing or speech. It's less common in casual conversations, where 'maybe' is preferred. Avoid using it when being certain.

What CEFR level is Perhaps?

"Perhaps" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.