One word or two
Maybe vs. May be
Maybe is one word, an adverb meaning perhaps: maybe it will rain. May be is a two-word verb phrase meaning might be: it may be cold tonight. If perhaps fits, use maybe.
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| maybe | adverb | perhaps or possibly, used when you are not sure |
| may be | phrase | the verb may plus be, meaning might be or could be |
Maybe
adverb: perhaps or possibly, used when you are not sure
- Maybe we should leave early to beat the traffic.
- We could try the new noodle place, maybe on Friday.
May be
phrase: the verb may plus be, meaning might be or could be
- The museum may be closed on Monday, so check first.
- That may be the best soup I have ever tasted.
How to remember the difference
Swap in perhaps. If it works, write maybe. If might be fits instead, write may be as two words.
Good to know
Maybe can also be a noun for an unsure answer, as in 'Is that a yes or a maybe?' Both spellings are standard; the only question is which job the words are doing in the sentence.
Spot the mistake
The answer
maybemay be in the back of the book.Correct: The answer may be in the back of the book.
May beMaybe we can meet for coffee next week.Correct: Maybe we can meet for coffee next week.
Check yourself
Pick the word that fits each sentence.
1. The roads slippery after the freezing rain.
Answer: may be. The sentence needs a verb meaning might be, so write the two words may be.
2. I'm not sure, but the bus is late again.
Answer: maybe. You could say perhaps here, so the one-word adverb maybe fits.