perhaps for once

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perhaps for once" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that something might happen differently than usual or to express a sense of hope for a change in behavior or outcome. Example: "Perhaps for once, he will listen to my advice and take it seriously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Perhaps, for once, the pollsters should ask the obvious question: would you like to pay less for your TV licence?

The Economist

I sought it out in the hope that perhaps, for once, as a consumer, I might be treated equally.

The Guardian - Opinion

But when 18% of 18- to 24-year-olds are unemployed, and another 21% underemployed, perhaps, for once, it is time they got a say in things.

The Economist

A final fling using leverage created by virtually free money and a brief moment of the good old days for investment bankers perhaps, for once not overshadowed by wide-boy trading desks.

Independent

More significant perhaps, for once they find themselves pitted against an even more rapaciously ambitious opponent, a club that has already consumed its own domestic league and will not rest until it has, in the words of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, "hunted down this Champions League".

The Guardian - Sport

Novel I know, but let's give that change of perspective a go for a moment out of respect for the people who just cast their votes and would like, perhaps for once, to be part of the set of calculations influencing future behaviour.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Chris Froome, perhaps relieved for once not to be discussing urine or spit or wattage-per-kilo, agreed.

The Guardian - Sport

Also, he will likely be credited for saving Cadillac, and perhaps for making once-moribund divisions like Buick seem fresh and lively again.

Forbes

Even that consummate showman, Mr Koizumi, with no love for Mr Fukuda, has given his backing.And perhaps the LDP, for once, is smart.

The Economist

Perhaps Collins herself, for once, isn't sure where she's set out to go: Is her goal to become the perfect driver?

The New York Times - Books

But profits are unlikely to be affected, given Compass does much of its business in school and hospital canteens and is perhaps more famous for once dishing up Turkey Twizzlers.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perhaps for once" to express a sense of novelty or a break from routine. It adds a touch of hopeful anticipation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "perhaps for once" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Use it sparingly for emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perhaps for once" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express a sense of possibility combined with a deviation from the norm. Ludwig provides examples where it introduces a hopeful or unexpected circumstance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Sport

20%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "perhaps for once" serves as an adverbial phrase indicating a hopeful deviation from the norm. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and notes its common usage in News & Media and Sport contexts. While the phrase isn't exceedingly common, it effectively conveys a sense of hopeful anticipation or mild surprise. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, while alternatives such as "maybe just this once" offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maybe just this once

Emphasizes the singularity of the exception to the usual pattern.

possibly for a change

Highlights the desire for a shift from the current state.

if only for once

Expresses a wish or desire for a single instance of something happening.

for once, it is possible

Directly states the possibility of something happening differently.

on this occasion, perhaps

Implies a specific instance where an exception might occur.

maybe in this instance

Focuses on the current situation as a potential exception.

potentially, for a change

Combines the elements of possibility and alteration.

it could happen this time

Expresses hope that the outcome will be different now.

this time, it might be different

Suggests that circumstances have changed, leading to a different result.

for a single exception

Highlights the rare and unusual nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "perhaps for once" in a sentence?

Use "perhaps for once" to suggest a deviation from the norm or a hopeful expectation of a different outcome. For example, "Perhaps for once, the weather will be sunny during our vacation".

What are some alternatives to "perhaps for once"?

You can use alternatives like "maybe just this once", "possibly for a change", or "if only for once" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "maybe for once" instead of "perhaps for once"?

While both "maybe" and "perhaps" express possibility, "perhaps for once" carries a slightly more formal tone. "Maybe for once" is acceptable in informal contexts, but "perhaps for once" might be preferable in more formal writing.

What does "perhaps for once" imply?

"Perhaps for once" implies that something is not typical or usual, and there is a sense of hope or anticipation that it might be different this time. It suggests a change from the expected pattern or routine.