perhaps vs possibly

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi everyone,

I have found that ‘perhaps’ and ‘possibly’ are used interchangeably as far as context of a sentence is concerned. Is there any difference between the two? If so, then please explain to me the difference with appropriate examples.

Thanks in advance

2

Hi,

I suppose you can say that both have the sense of what may/might happen. Very generally I would say that ‘perhaps’ is more conversational than possibly as in:

I’ll see you tomorrow perhaps at the club. (There is a chance that I may see you)

The reason why there’s no reply is possibly that they are on holiday. (This a sort of explanation)

Alan

3

Thanks Alan. Your examples are worth understanding.

4

you can also say “maybe”. Perhaps is more formal than maybe.