Practice Makes Perfect Spanish Verb Tenses, Second ... - Ktooba.com

“perhaps” and “maybe”
Clauses introduced by the words “perhaps” or “maybe” are usually cloaked in uncertainty, and
therefore they require the use of the subjunctive. Th e words acaso, quizá(s), and tal vez all mean
“perhaps” and “maybe,” and for the most part they are used interchangeably. Acaso, however, is
generally reserved for writing, while quizá(s) and tal vez are used more in daily conversation.
Both quizá and quizás can be used, though quizá is more common. Th ere is no diff erence in
meaning, but it’s best for a person to choose one form and use that form consistently.
EJERCICIO
20·12
Quizá él no te conteste. Perhaps he won’t answer you.
or Maybe he won’t answer you.
Acaso ellos no vayan de compras. Perhaps they won’t go shopping.
or Maybe they won’t go shopping.
Tal vez ella esté enferma. Perhaps she’s sick. or Maybe she’s sick.
Quizá no la conozcamos. Perhaps we don’t know her.
or Maybe we don’t know her.
Traducción
1. Maybe he has the money.
2. Perhaps we can go.
3. Maybe they [m.] live here.
4. Perhaps you know him.
5. Maybe they’ll [m.] buy the house today.
6. Perhaps we are lost (perdido).
7. Maybe he isn’t the smartest person in the world.
8. Perhaps you all shouldn’t drink this milk.
9. Maybe the politician isn’t telling the truth.
10. Perhaps the cat has only eight lives.
The present subjunctive 227