comma after 'perhaps' [adverb, front position]: Perhaps, he is angry.

A

arjun78

Senior Member
India-Hindi
Hi,

I understand that a comma isn't necessary after 'perhaps', but is it okay to add it for the sake of pause?

Example:
Perhaps, he is angry. (comma after perhaps)
Perhaps he is angry. (no comma after perhaps)

Are both forms okay?

Thanks,
Arjun
 
    • I don't think that it indicates a pause here, but I do think it adds confusion. Is it intended as part of a dialogue? Is there more context available?
     
    The first version, with the comma, doesn't sound natural at all, I'm afraid. Reading it aloud, I can't imagine a situation where you'd actually want to pause after 'perhaps'.


    Cross-posted. yes, some more context would help . . .
     
    Brother: Do you think Dad will really cut us out of his will?
    Sister: Perhaps, he is angry. (And even that might be better as "Perhaps ... he is angry."

    But just because I can imagine a use for it doesn't mean much -- in nearly all cases you wouldn't use a comma.
     
    Thanks, guys. What about maybe instead of perhaps? Comma or no comma - which would be appropriate?
     
    It is a general doubt I have on introductory words. Hence, you do this. Therefore, they do that. So I am wondering whether maybe/perhaps works in the same way, especially when faced with alternatives:
    Maybe, he is clever. Maybe, he is not. I don't know.
    Perhaps, he will do what I say. Perhaps, he won't. I can't be sure.
     
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