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Aloma
Maybe,perhaps, and might
Please what is the different between these words: 'MAYBE, PERHAPS and MIGHT' nd how can i use them?
Mar 15, 2013 8:21 AM
Answers · 2
they all have a similar meaning. Might suggests that something is quite likely to happen. its an informed guess.
eg. "It might rain tomorrow" this would mean it will probably rain. maybe you have seen the weather report and they said it might rain.
"I might go tomorrow" it is quite likely that I will go tomorrow
Maybe suggests that something could happen but there is an equal chance of it not happening. its an uninformed guess more than anything.
eg "maybe it will rain tomorrow" (this could mean you are not sure if it will rain or not. you could just be guessing that it will rain but you have no evidence to suggest it will rain or not.)
Maybe I will go tomorrow" (I'm really not sure if I will go. there is an equal chance that I will or will not)
essentially might and maybe mean the same thing. there are very small differences but whichever you use should be fine.
more examples :
1. Be careful! you might break it if you're not careful. (might-will probably happen)
2. My friends might be coming (might- it is likely)
3. Maybe you left your phone in the classroom (maybe-not sure if you left your phone)
*
Perhaps is a bit different- it can be like both "maybe and might". when it suggests uncertainty or doubt its being used like "maybe". it usually suggests doubt or uncertainty about an action.
eg Perhaps I should have worked harder.
perhaps you should not have done that
other times its just to modify a sentence and make a suggestion. this is when its used like "might" (as an informed guess)
eg. perhaps she will come tomorrow
March 15, 2013
These 3 words are largely interchangeable.
To the question: "Is there life on Mars?", for example, "Perhaps", "Maybe", or "There might ( be) " are all equivalent answers.
To the question: "Are you going to the movies tomorrow night?", "Perhaps" and "Maybe" are equally valid answers (indicate the person is undecided). "I might " suggests the answer is dependent on something else (e.g. "I might be, if my cousin doesn't visit").
If someone is asking about WHETHER I'm going, "I might be" is the better answer.
March 15, 2013
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Aloma
Language Skills
English, French, Portuguese, Yoruba
Learning Language
Portuguese
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