perhaps she has

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perhaps she has" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when speculating about someone's actions or circumstances, indicating uncertainty or possibility. Example: "I wonder why she hasn't responded to my message; perhaps she has been busy with work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Perhaps she has seen too many movies.

The New Yorker

Or perhaps she has just spoken.

Independent

Perhaps she has learnt to delegate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But perhaps she has already done it.

The New Yorker

And perhaps she has a point.

The Guardian - Film

Or, perhaps, she has very strong feelings for him.

The New Yorker

Perhaps she has laid another trap for Ray.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Perhaps she had sexual intercourse?

The New Yorker

Perhaps she hadn't understood his grunt.

The New Yorker

Or perhaps she had invented him altogether.

The New Yorker

Perhaps she had to print, too.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "perhaps she has", ensure the surrounding context provides enough information to allow the reader to understand what action or state is being speculated about.

Common error

While "perhaps she has" is grammatically correct and widely used, overuse in formal writing can make your text seem less assertive. In such cases, consider more direct or definitive statements, or use stronger qualifiers if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

"Perhaps she has" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies the entire clause, expressing a degree of uncertainty or possibility regarding the action or state described in the clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase introduces speculation, similar to examples found in The New Yorker and The Guardian.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perhaps she has" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty or speculation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, especially in news and media contexts. While suitable for most situations, be mindful of overuse in formal writing. Alternative phrases such as "maybe she has" or "she might have" can provide variety. Remember, "perhaps she has" is best used when offering a tentative explanation supported by sufficient context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maybe she has

Replaces 'perhaps' with 'maybe', indicating a slightly less formal tone while maintaining the same meaning.

possibly she has

Substitutes 'perhaps' with 'possibly', another synonym indicating uncertainty.

it's possible she has

Uses a different structure to convey possibility, emphasizing the potential for the action to have occurred.

she might have

Employs 'might' to express a possibility, altering the verb tense to past perfect.

she could have

Utilizes 'could' to suggest a potential action, similar to 'might have'.

she may have

Uses 'may' to express uncertainty, similar to 'might' and 'could'.

it's likely she has

Suggests a higher probability compared to 'perhaps' while still expressing uncertainty.

conceivably, she has

Replaces 'perhaps' with 'conceivably', suggesting the action is within the realm of possibility, though not necessarily probable.

one possibility is that she has

Introduces the statement as one potential explanation.

it is conceivable that she has

Expands on the idea of conceivability, making it a more explicit statement.

FAQs

How can I use "perhaps she has" in a sentence?

"Perhaps she has" is used to suggest a possibility or speculation. For example: "She hasn't called; "perhaps she has" been busy."

What are some alternatives to "perhaps she has"?

Alternatives include "maybe she has", "it's possible she has", or "she might have". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to follow "perhaps she has" with a complete sentence?

Yes, "perhaps she has" typically introduces a clause that explains the possible reason or situation. It requires a verb and an object (even if implied). For instance: "Perhaps she has forgotten" is grammatically correct.

What is the difference between "perhaps she has" and "maybe she has"?

The difference is subtle. "Perhaps" is generally considered slightly more formal than "maybe", but they are often interchangeable. Both express uncertainty or possibility. "Maybe she has" a more casual tone than "perhaps she has".