perhaps

perhaps — adverb

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

1.副詞A2
釋義

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

例句

Perhaps Maya left her umbrella on the train this morning.

sentence opener: perhaps + clause

Perhaps someone is waiting at the gate outside.

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞

文法句型

perhaps + clause

clause + perhaps

or + alternative + perhaps

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.副詞B1
釋義

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

例句

Perhaps thirty guests stayed for coffee after the wedding.

perhaps + number for a rough estimate

The walk takes perhaps ten minutes from the station.

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • exactly

    shows that the figure is precise

文法句型

perhaps + number

perhaps + amount

perhaps + measure phrase

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.副詞B2
釋義

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

例句

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

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • frankly

    signals a more direct, open statement

  • plainly

    makes the speaker sound more definite

文法句型

perhaps + subject + should

perhaps + subject + could

be + perhaps + adjective

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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