perhaps it is

USAGE SUMMARY

"Perhaps it is" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to convey that you are uncertain of the truthfulness of something, or that you are considering the possibility of something being true. For example, "I wonder if this recipe will work - perhaps it is worth a try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Perhaps it is its history.

BBC

Perhaps it is.

The New York Times

Perhaps it is Lisbon.

Independent

Perhaps it is both.

The Economist

But perhaps it is.

The Economist

Perhaps it is noble.

The New York Times

I thought, Perhaps it is.

The New Yorker

Perhaps it is not brave.

The New York Times

Perhaps it is the rhythm.

The New York Times

So perhaps it is exhaustion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And perhaps it was.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering explanations, "perhaps it is" can be followed by a specific reason to clearly convey the potential cause or situation.

Common error

While versatile, repeatedly starting sentences with "perhaps it is" can make writing sound repetitive. Instead, diversify your expressions by using alternatives like "possibly", "it could be", or rephrasing the sentence to place the uncertainty elsewhere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perhaps it is" functions as an introductory expression of possibility or uncertainty. It serves to qualify a statement, indicating that the speaker or writer is not entirely certain about the truth or accuracy of what they are saying. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perhaps it is" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a degree of uncertainty or possibility into a statement. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across a range of contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally suitable for neutral and professional writing, it's advisable to use more direct language in situations demanding certainty. To enhance writing, consider alternatives to avoid repetition and adjust the tone, as slight variations can subtly shift the perceived likelihood or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maybe it is

Direct synonym suggesting possibility, very similar in tone and usage.

possibly it is

Suggests a slightly lower probability than "perhaps", implying it could be the case but not very likely.

it could be

A more concise way to express the same uncertainty or possibility.

it might be

Implies a slightly weaker level of possibility compared to "perhaps".

it is conceivable that

More formal way of expressing that something is possible or imaginable.

it is possible that

Similar to "conceivable", but slightly less formal. It is a neutral way to state a possibility.

it's not impossible that

A more indirect way to suggest a possibility, emphasizing that it cannot be ruled out.

it's a possibility

Focuses on the existence of a possibility rather than directly stating it.

it's conceivable

Shortened version that focuses solely on the possibility.

the odds are that

Suggests a probabilistic view, implying that there is a reasonable chance of something being true.

FAQs

How can I use "perhaps it is" in a sentence?

Use "perhaps it is" to introduce a statement when you're not entirely sure about something. For example, "I'm not sure why the machine isn't working; "perhaps it is" a software issue".

What can I say instead of "perhaps it is"?

You can use alternatives like "maybe it is", "possibly it is", or "it could be" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "perhaps it is" and "maybe it is"?

While both express uncertainty, "perhaps it is" is slightly more formal than "maybe it is". The choice depends on the tone you want to convey.

When should I avoid using "perhaps it is"?

Avoid using "perhaps it is" in situations requiring absolute certainty or in contexts that demand a direct and assertive tone. In these cases, a more confident statement is more suitable.