perhaps guilty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perhaps guilty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that someone may be responsible for a wrongdoing or crime, but without making a definitive accusation. Example: "The evidence is circumstantial, but he may be, perhaps guilty, of the charges against him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

(Perhaps Guilty Remnant refers to their collective fag butts).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Perhaps guilty consumers could get used to paying for their sins with cash.

The New York Times

Likewise, the ECB was perhaps guilty of thinking it had cracked it.

The Guardian - Sport

In other scores, like his loftily titled "Jeremiah" Symphony, Bernstein was perhaps guilty of self-conscious striving for profundity.

The New York Times - Arts

But those who scorn the film for being too pretty are perhaps guilty of a little ­shallowness themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are perhaps guilty of being overly cool and classic, yet their polished handling of form is impressive.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Though perhaps not guilty as charged.

The New Yorker

They were practicing their fishing, or perhaps were guilty of playing with their food.

The New York Times

Bosnia, perhaps, were guilty of underestimating Nigeria after their drab draw with Iran.

The Guardian - Sport

Perhaps feeling guilty about neglect of their families, perhaps remembering their own indulged childhoods, today's parents are too soft on their children, say some social critics.

The Economist

Ross, perhaps feeling guilty for being on the road so often, was planning to attend three of them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perhaps guilty" to introduce doubt or uncertainty about someone's culpability, avoiding definitive statements without concrete evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "perhaps guilty" as a rhetorical device to strongly imply guilt without providing any supporting evidence. This can lead to misinterpretations and potential legal issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perhaps guilty" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier to the adjective "guilty". It serves to qualify the assertion of guilt, introducing an element of uncertainty or possibility. Ludwig AI shows various instances in which this expression is used to moderate claims.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "perhaps guilty" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to express a possibility of guilt without making a definitive accusation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. It is best used when there's enough contextual information to suggest possible wrongdoing, but not enough to assert guilt outright. Remember to avoid using it to imply guilt without any supporting evidence to prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possibly culpable

Emphasizes the potential for blame or fault.

maybe at fault

Highlights the possibility of having made an error or mistake.

potentially responsible

Focuses on the aspect of bearing responsibility for something.

possibly implicated

Suggests involvement in a crime or wrongdoing.

arguably blameworthy

Indicates that there's room to argue about whether someone deserves blame.

conceivably liable

Highlights legal responsibility as a possibility.

ostensibly at fault

Suggests fault based on initial appearances.

seemingly responsible

Implies a responsibility that is evident at first glance.

allegedly culpable

Emphasizes that the culpability is based on allegation, not proof.

reputedly to blame

Highlights that blame is according to reputation or hearsay.

FAQs

How can I use "perhaps guilty" in a sentence?

You can use "perhaps guilty" to suggest a possibility of guilt without making a direct accusation. For example, "While the evidence is limited, he is "perhaps guilty" of negligence."

What is a good alternative to "perhaps guilty"?

Alternatives include "possibly culpable", "maybe at fault", or "potentially responsible". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "perhaps guilty" or "probably guilty"?

"Perhaps guilty" suggests a lower degree of certainty than "probably guilty". "Perhaps" indicates a possibility, while "probably" implies a higher likelihood. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects your level of confidence.

What's the difference between "perhaps guilty" and "innocent until proven guilty"?

"Perhaps guilty" is an observation about a possibility based on available information, while "innocent until proven guilty" is a legal principle that requires proof of guilt before a conviction. The phrase "perhaps guilty" can reflect initial impressions that may not align with legal standards.