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Perhaps, maybe, or probably
Perhaps and maybe mean possibly, and probably means likely, with the chance more yes than no.
Quick rule
Is there doubt either way? Maybe or perhaps. Is it the likely answer? Probably. In the middle of the sentence, between subject and verb? Perhaps or probably.
Possibly: it makes a statement less definite. It can go in the middle of a sentence and soften a suggestion.
Possibly, when you are not certain. It is the everyday word and usually goes at the start or end of a sentence.
Likely to happen or be true. It says the chance is more yes than no.
How to choose
| Question | perhaps | maybe | probably |
|---|---|---|---|
| Does it say it is the likely outcome (It will ___ rain)? | No | No | Yes |
| Can it go between subject and verb (She ___ forgot)? | Yes | No | Yes |
| Can it make a suggestion (___ we could go together)? | Yes | Yes | No |
Why it trips people up
Perhaps, maybe, and probably all talk about how sure you are. Perhaps and maybe leave the question open, while probably leans toward yes. People swap them because all three soften a statement.
How each one works
Perhaps
A polite suggestion
Perhaps it would be better to wait until Monday.
In the middle of the sentence
He is perhaps the kindest teacher I know.
An answer that shows doubt
"Will you come to the party?" "Perhaps. I need to check my schedule."
Maybe
A suggestion
Maybe we should ask for directions.
A half answer
"Are you hungry?" "Maybe a little."
An approximate amount
It will cost maybe fifty dollars.
Probably
Before the main verb
It will probably snow this weekend.
After be
She is probably at work right now.
An expected time
We will probably get there around eight.
What comes next
Perhaps plus clause (at the start)
Perhaps she missed the bus.
subject plus perhaps plus verb
The answer perhaps lies in the numbers.
Maybe plus subject plus verb
Maybe the museum is closed on Mondays.
Maybe plus you should plus verb
Maybe you should rest a bit.
will plus probably plus verb
They will probably move next year.
be plus probably
The restaurant is probably full tonight.
Set phrases
Perhaps
- Yeah, perhaps.
- used to agree unwillingly, without saying you think it is true
Maybe
- Maybe you should
- used to suggest something to another person
Probably
- probably not
- used to say that something is unlikely, without being sure
- most probably
- very likely
Almost the same
Maybe she will come.
It is possible, and I do not know which way it will go.
She will probably come.
It is more likely that she will come.
They maybe left early.
In the middle of a sentence, maybe does not sound natural.
They perhaps left early.
Perhaps does fit in the middle of a sentence.
They probably left early.
Probably also fits there, and leans toward yes.
In a conversation
- A:
Are you coming to Lucía's graduation?
- B:
Maybe. I have to check my work schedule.
- A:
It is on a Saturday, so you will probably be free.
- B:
True. Perhaps I can ask my boss for the afternoon off.
Common mistakes
Wrong: The store maybe closed by now.
Right: The store may be closed by now.
When a verb is needed, may be is two words. Maybe is the adverb that means perhaps.
Wrong: Prehaps we should ask the teacher.
Right: Perhaps we should ask the teacher.
Perhaps starts with per-, spelled p-e-r-h-a-p-s. Prehaps swaps the first letters.
Memory trick
Ask which way the doubt leans. If it is fifty-fifty, maybe or perhaps. If the yes weighs more, probably. If "almost sure" fits, probably.
It depends
- Maybe for rough numbers
- Cambridge lists maybe as informal for an approximate figure: 200, maybe 300 people. Oxford also gives perhaps 20 per cent.
- Perhaps for polite suggestions
- Oxford lists perhaps for polite requests, offers, and suggestions: Perhaps it would be better if you came back tomorrow.
FAQ
What is the difference between maybe and perhaps?
Both mean possibly. Maybe is usually placed at the start or end, while perhaps can also sit before the verb.
What is the difference between maybe and probably?
Maybe leaves the question open. Probably says the chance is higher than 50 percent.
What is the difference between perhaps and probably?
Perhaps shows doubt or softens a statement. Probably says something is likely.