Near-synonyms: « perhaps » (laʿalla and ʿasā)

« Perhaps »

لَعَلّ / عَسَى

لَعَلَّ expresses a mere probability.

عَسى expresses a very strong probability or a wish. It is not among the particles governing the accusative and is used with أنْ. It is a « frozen » verb, in the expression of the Arab grammarians. Moreover, according to them, when the speaker is God Himself, the wish expressed by this particle conveys certainty, for what God wishes « must » come to pass.

قَالَ لِأَهْلِهِ امْكُثُوا إِنِّي آنَسْتُ نَارًا لَعَلِّي آتِيكُمْ مِنْهَا بِخَبَرٍ أَوْ جَذْوَةٍ مِنَ النَّارِ

He said to his family: « Stay here; I have perceived a fire. Perhaps I will bring you news from it, or a brand of fire. » (28:29)

وَلَمَّا تَوَجَّهَ تِلْقَاءَ مَدْيَنَ قَالَ عَسَى رَبِّي أَنْ يَهْدِيَنِي سَوَاءَ السَّبِيلِ

And when he headed towards Madyan, he said: « Perhaps my Lord will guide me to the right way. » (28:22)

Note: it is Moses who speaks in these two examples. Concerning the fire, he has no certainty: this is why لعلّ is used. Concerning guidance, he places his hope in divine benevolence and expresses greater conviction: this is why عَسَى is used.

وَلَقَدْ وَصَّلْنَا لَهُمُ الْقَوْلَ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ

We have already conveyed to them the Word (the Qur’an). Perhaps they will remember. (28:51)

فَأَمَّا مَنْ تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَعَسَى أَنْ يَكُونَ مِنَ الْمُفْلِحِينَ

But the one who has repented, been loyal (or believed) and done good will perhaps be among those who succeed. (28:67)

Note: the mere fact that the Word has reached people does not guarantee that they will remember: this is why لعلّ is used. By contrast, repenting, being loyal and doing good works guarantees success far more: this is why عَسَى is used.

The other near-synonyms