perhaps
gb/pɚhˈæps/ us/pɚhˈæps/
A2
English
~ 300
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
property
1
possibly but not certainly
Used to say that something might be true, but you are not sure.
Usage pattern:
Perhaps [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'perhaps' with 'maybe' in terms of position in a sentence. 'Perhaps' is more flexible and can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
Synonyms
maybe (More common in everyday speech; slightly less formal than 'perhaps'.)
|
possibly (Focuses more on the chance of something happening, often in neutral or formal contexts.)
Antonyms
certainly (Indicates complete certainty, the opposite of uncertainty expressed by 'perhaps'.)
|
definitely (Strongly confirms something as true, removing doubt.)
Collocations
perhaps not
|perhaps even
|perhaps because
Themes
communication
|probability
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Perhaps she forgot about the meeting.
- It will, perhaps, take longer than we thought.
- Perhaps we should try a different approach.
- The weather will perhaps improve by afternoon.
Learner examples
- Perhaps it will rain today.
- She is perhaps at the store.
- Perhaps they are busy now.
- Perhaps I can help you.
adverb
B1
property
2
used for polite suggestions
Used to make a suggestion in a polite way.
Usage pattern:
Perhaps [someone] could [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'maybe' in polite contexts where 'perhaps' sounds more formal and suitable.
Synonyms
maybe (More casual and less formal in tone when making suggestions.)
|
possibly (Less common for making suggestions; sounds slightly more formal.)
Collocations
perhaps you could
|perhaps we should
|perhaps it would be best
Themes
politeness
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Perhaps you could speak to him directly.
- Perhaps we should wait until tomorrow.
- Perhaps it would be better to start early.
Learner examples
- Perhaps we should go now.
- Perhaps you can call her.
- Perhaps he can help us.
Grammar
Dictionary form
perhaps
IPA
GB/pɚhˈæps/
US/pɚhˈæps/
Syllables & stress
per - haps (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (per)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: perhaps
- Plural: perhapses
Word family
Forms
perhapses
noun
Related words
possible
adjective A2
possibility
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
impossible
adjective A2
impossibility
noun B2
Expressions
or perhaps
1/ˈɔɹ pɚhˈæps/
fixed phrase
introduces another possible idea
Used to give another possible idea or choice.
Examples
- We could walk, or perhaps take a taxi.
- She might be at work, or perhaps with her friends.
perhaps even
1/pɚhˈæps ˈivən/
fixed phrase
adds an unexpected or stronger possibility
Used to say that something more surprising could also be true.
Examples
- This book is good, perhaps even great.
- It might take hours, perhaps even days.
perhaps not
1/pɚhˈæps nˈɑt/
fixed phrase
probably not true or correct
Used to say that something is probably not true or will not happen.
Examples
- He said he would come, but perhaps not.
- They might win, but perhaps not if it rains.