English Reference

maybe vs may be

Maybe is a single-word adverb of probability, whereas may be is a two-word verb phrase consisting of a modal and a main verb.

maybe

an adverb meaning perhaps or possibly

Maybe we should call the office before we leave for the meeting.

may be

a verb phrase indicating a possibility

There may be a slight delay in processing your recent application.

Watch out
  • May be we can reschedule the appointment for next Tuesday.

    Maybe we can reschedule the appointment for next Tuesday.

  • It maybe raining later this afternoon so bring an umbrella.

    It may be raining later this afternoon so bring an umbrella.

Remember Maybe = Perhaps. May be = Might be.

Fill the gap with one of the two options.

  1. 1.

    The project will take three weeks, or even a full month.

  2. 2.

    The results of the blood test available by tomorrow morning.

More like this in Grammar and structure.