perhaps then

USAGE SUMMARY

"perhaps then" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce an alternate option or a possible solution to a problem. For example, "We can't decide on a vacation destination, so perhaps then we should just take a weekend road trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perhaps then?

The New York Times - Arts

Well, perhaps then.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps then others.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps then his anesthesiologist will become interested.

The New York Times - Science

Perhaps then you'll finally understand.

The New Yorker

But perhaps, then, to machismo?

The Guardian

Perhaps then we'll start treating animals humanely.

The New York Times

And perhaps, then, to rest in peace.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps then we could talk about "legacy".

The Guardian - Sport

Perhaps, then, not evil at all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps then he would be able to patch the hole.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "perhaps then", ensure the context clearly establishes the condition or situation that makes the subsequent action plausible. This provides clarity and logical flow to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "perhaps then" in isolation, without a preceding condition or situation that sets the stage for the possibility. This can lead to confusion and weaken the logical connection between ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perhaps then" functions as an adverbial connector, indicating a possible consequence or a tentative conclusion based on a prior condition. As evidenced by Ludwig, it serves to link ideas and suggest a potential outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perhaps then" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce a possible outcome or alternative based on a stated condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. It functions as a connector, suggesting tentativeness or uncertainty. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure a clear preceding condition to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "possibly in that case" or "maybe at that point" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, understanding these nuances will enhance your writing and communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possibly in that case

This alternative adds a degree of formality and explicitly states the condition.

perhaps subsequently

This alternative implies a sequential order of events more directly.

maybe at that point

This alternative uses "maybe" for "perhaps" and emphasizes a specific time.

likely at that stage

This alternative suggests a higher probability and refers to a particular phase.

conceivably at the time

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing possibility and specifies the moment in question.

maybe consequently

This alternative directly indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.

potentially in that situation

This alternative highlights the hypothetical nature and focuses on the scenario.

conceivably afterward

This alternative focuses on the timing of the subsequent event.

it's possible at that moment

This alternative is more explicit in stating possibility and refers to a specific instant.

potentially thereafter

This alternative adds a touch of formality and emphasizes the sequence of events.

FAQs

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

You can use "perhaps then" to introduce a possible consequence or alternative after stating a condition. For example, "If the weather improves, perhaps then we can go for a hike."

What are some alternatives to "perhaps then"?

Alternatives include "possibly in that case", "maybe at that point", or "conceivably at the time", depending on the level of formality you desire.

Is "perhaps then" more formal or informal?

"Perhaps then" is generally considered neutral in formality. While "perhaps" is slightly more formal than "maybe", the phrase as a whole is widely acceptable in both writing and speech.

What's the difference between "perhaps then" and "maybe then"?

"Perhaps then" and "maybe then" are largely interchangeable. "Perhaps" is sometimes perceived as slightly more formal, but the distinction is minimal in most contexts.