[English Q&A] Maybe vs. May Be

Ever wondered what's the difference between "maybe" and "may be"? How are they used differently?

• MAYBE

(adv.) it is commonly used to describe the probability of an action happening or not happening—maybe means it might or it might not happen.

Eg. Maybe she will be there on time.

It is famously used as a middle ground between yes and no.

Eg. Do you think she would like this gift? Maybe.

"Maybe" is a an adverb. Using "maybe" is just like using other adverbs such as "perhaps", "probably", and "possibly"

• MAY BE

a verb phrase that sets a condition on how something might exist or occur.

Eg. You may be asked to help.

it can also be used to express comparison.

Eg. That may be true, but it’s unfair.

"May" is a modal verb, and "be" is a linking verb. Using "may" + "be" is just like using any other modal verb + linking verb, such as "might be", "must be", "should be", and "could be"

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