The difference between “maybe” and “may be” can be confusing because they look and sound similar. However, they have different meanings and grammar functions.
“Maybe” is a one-word adverb that means “perhaps” or “possibly.” “May be” is a two-word verb phrase made up of the modal “may” and the verb “be,” used to express possibility in a sentence.
In this article, you’ll learn the difference between “maybe” vs. “may be”, with grammar rules, usage tips, and helpful sentence examples. By the end, you’ll be able to use both correctly in everyday English writing and speaking.
What Does “Maybe” Mean?
“Maybe” is a one-word adverb that means “perhaps” or “possibly.” It is used to express uncertainty or to suggest that something is not definite. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence, but it can also be placed in the middle or end, especially in informal speech. Grammatically, “maybe” is not part of the verb — it modifies the sentence as a whole and cannot be used in place of a verb phrase.
Examples:
- Maybe it will rain later.
- I’m not sure. Maybe he forgot.
- She’s not here yet — maybe she’s running late.
What Does “May Be” Mean?
“May be” is a two-word verb phrase formed by the modal verb “may” and the base verb “be.” It is used to talk about something that is possibly true or might happen. Unlike “maybe,” this phrase is part of the main verb in a sentence and always follows the subject. It works just like other modal structures such as “may go” or “may happen.”
Examples:
- He may be late again.
- She may be at the library.
- This may be the right answer.
Difference Between “Maybe” and “May Be”
The difference between maybe and may be comes down to grammar and how each is used in a sentence.
May be is a two-word verb phrase. It consists of the modal verb “may” and the main verb “be.” Together, they show possibility or uncertainty about something.
Maybe is a one-word adverb. It means perhaps or possibly, and it usually comes before the main verb in a sentence. It does not function as part of the verb phrase.
Quick Summary:
- If you can replace it with perhaps, use maybe.
- If you can replace it with might be, use may be.
Quiz: Maybe vs. May Be
1. He ____ feeling sick, so he stayed home from work today.
a) maybe
b) may be
2. I’m not sure what time they’ll get here — ____ they got stuck in traffic.
a) maybe
b) may be
3. This ____ a good time to bring up your idea to the team.
a) maybe
b) may be
4. I haven’t seen her yet; ____ she’s still on her way.
a) maybe
b) may be
5. We’re still deciding — we ____ going to the beach this weekend.
a) maybe
b) may be
6. ____ we should try that new café near your office.
a) maybe
b) may be
7. That story ____ true, but I’d like to check the facts first.
a) maybe
b) may be
8. He said he ____ able to help us move on Saturday.
a) maybe
b) may be
9. I’ll talk to him again tomorrow — ____ he’ll change his mind.
a) maybe
b) may be
10. I was thinking that ____ we could meet after lunch instead.
a) maybe
b) may be
Quiz Answers
1) may be
2) maybe
3) may be
4) maybe
5) may be
6) maybe
7) may be
8) may be
9) maybe
10) maybe
