mayhaps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mayhaps" is correct and usable in written English, though it is considered archaic or poetic.
You can use it in informal or creative writing, often to convey a sense of uncertainty or possibility in a whimsical manner. Example: "Mayhaps we shall meet again under the stars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Mayhaps they just do hipster things because they like them.

Independent

Google's Ngram shows that lots of archaic words appear to be resurfacing -- including gems like perchance, mayhaps and parlor.

Independent

Hipsters are certainly smitten with all things bespoke and dapper, and they mayhaps be getting into parlors, too.

Independent

When you're on the Flushing local, or, mayhaps, express, And you've had a snoot full, so you're sleeping off excess, Do not be surprised to wake up in your Calvin Kleins, Looking like you've walked through meadows full of Claymore mines.

The New York Times

Mayhaps I need to unloosen my brain.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

I'm reliably informed you play "throbbing angst rock taking on Joy Division or mayhap Bloc Party".

Independent

"His heart beat like a tambour," she writes, and "Was the man too codswalloped to follow?" She uses such words as "belike" and "mayhap" as casually as individual characters cry "Certes!" and crowds "Huzzah!" Even as she plays with it, Cushman knows her near-medieval world.

The New York Times - Books

Did someone just sledge the Don? Mayhap they did.

The Guardian - Sport

As Snagglepuss once said, "I think I'll book you on the charge of grand lozenges, with intent to commit mayhap".

The New York Times - Books

"Rich widow mayhap?" he throws out (an offer that all the rich widows scanning the Craigslist barter classifieds surely could not resist).

The New York Times

Mayhap they do, mayhap they're wrong, When they put on a front that is strong Instill in others that belief, Believe themselves, ah, pure relief!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mayhaps" sparingly and primarily in contexts where an archaic or whimsical tone is desired. Overuse can make your writing sound affected or unnatural.

Common error

Avoid using "mayhaps" in formal or professional writing. Its archaic nature can be perceived as inappropriate or out of touch in serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "mayhaps" is as an adverb of possibility. Like "perhaps" and "maybe", it modifies a verb or clause to indicate uncertainty. Ludwig AI indicates its correct, though potentially uncommon, use.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "mayhaps" functions similarly to "perhaps" or "maybe", expressing a degree of uncertainty or possibility. While grammatically correct and supported by sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, as noted by Ludwig AI, its usage is considered rare and somewhat archaic in modern English. It is best suited for informal or creative writing where its slightly whimsical tone can add character. When in doubt, opt for the more common "perhaps" or "maybe" to ensure clarity and avoid sounding affected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Perhaps

A more common and modern synonym for expressing uncertainty or possibility.

Maybe

A very common and direct synonym.

Possibly

Emphasizes the potential for something to occur.

Perchance

Similar in tone and meaning to "mayhaps", also somewhat archaic.

It is possible that

A longer phrase that explicitly states possibility.

It could be

Suggests a potential scenario or explanation.

Conceivably

Highlights the feasibility of something.

Potentially

Focuses on the inherent possibility within a situation.

Likely

Suggests a higher probability than "mayhaps".

By chance

Emphasizes the role of luck or random events.

FAQs

How to use "mayhaps" in a sentence?

"Mayhaps" is used as an adverb to express uncertainty or possibility, similar to "perhaps" or "maybe". For example, "Mayhaps we will meet again someday."

What can I say instead of "mayhaps"?

You can use alternatives like "perhaps", "maybe", or "possibly" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "mayhaps" or "perhaps"?

Both "mayhaps" and "perhaps" are correct, but "perhaps" is far more common in modern usage. "Mayhaps" carries an archaic or whimsical connotation.

What's the difference between "mayhaps" and "perchance"?

"Mayhaps" and "perchance" are very similar in meaning and both suggest uncertainty. However, "perchance" might be slightly more formal or literary than "mayhaps".