Perhaps: a possibility

The idea

Put perhaps at the start of a clause: Perhaps the train is late. It can also appear at the end: We could meet Friday, perhaps.

Examples

• Perhaps the train is late.
• Perhaps she has the address.
• We could meet on Friday, perhaps.
• Perhaps the ticket is in the bag.
• Perhaps he will come later.
• Perhaps the market is open today.

Watch out

Perhaps does not establish that something is true or give an exact probability. Use the rest of the context to understand what is uncertain.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the word expressing uncertainty. I am not sure whether the train is late: ___ it is late. (Perhaps / Definitely)

   Show answer or example answer

   Perhaps

   Perhaps marks the train’s delay as possible, not certain.

2. Choose what a possible plan tells you. “Perhaps we can meet Friday.” Does this sentence confirm the meeting? (no / yes)

   Show answer or example answer

   no

   A possible plan is not a confirmed arrangement.

3. Decide whether the word gives an exact probability. Does perhaps alone give an exact numerical probability? (no / yes)

   Show answer or example answer

   no

   Perhaps alone does not give an exact probability.

Use it today

Suggest a possible meeting time using perhaps, and say what is uncertain.