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

[arjun78]

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

 

[Beryl from Northallerton]

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?

 

[heypresto]

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 . . .

 

[Copyright]

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.

 

[arjun78]

Thanks, guys. What about maybe instead of perhaps? Comma or no comma - which would be appropriate?

 

[Copyright]

Same answers until you give us context.

 

[arjun78]

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.

 

[Copyright]

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.

All without comma.