When do I use "Maybe" and when do I use "May be"?

"Maybe" (one word) = perhaps/possibly (adverb). "May be" (two words) = might be (modal verb phrase).

How do I remember the difference between "Maybe" and "May be"?

"Maybe" = perhaps (adverb, one word, replaceable by "perhaps"). "May be" = might be (modal verb phrase, two words, replaceable by "might be").

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Which one to use?Beginneradverbioverbo modal

MaybevsMay be

"Maybe" (one word) = perhaps, possibly; "may be" (two words) = might be, could be.

Side-by-side comparison

Maybe

adverbio

"Maybe" (one word) is the adverb meaning "perhaps" or "possibly". It expresses uncertainty. "Maybe she's right" = perhaps she is right. It is never directly followed by a main verb.

Maybe I will go to the party if I finish work early.
She called to say she is running late. Maybe she is stuck in traffic.
"Are you coming to dinner?" "Maybe. I will let you know."

May be

verbo modal

"May be" (two words) is the modal verb "may" plus the verb "be". It is part of the predicate. "She may be right" = it is possible that she is right. Always part of a compound verb.

This may be the most important decision of her career.
He may be late, but he will definitely arrive before the presentation starts.
The results may be ready by Thursday, depending on the lab schedule.

Common mistake

Quick test: can you replace with "perhaps"? Yes = "maybe" (one word). Can you replace with "might be"? Yes = "may be" (two words). "Maybe I'll go" (adverb). "It may be true" (modal verb phrase).

Trick to remember it

•"Maybe" = perhaps (adverb, one word, replaceable by "perhaps").
•"May be" = might be (modal verb phrase, two words, replaceable by "might be").

Quick rule

•"Maybe" (one word) = perhaps/possibly (adverb).
•"May be" (two words) = might be (modal verb phrase).

Did you know?

The MAYBE/MAY BE pattern repeats across several English pairs where one version is an adjective or adverb (one word) and the other is a verbal or noun phrase (two words): "everyday" (adjective: "an everyday occurrence") vs "every day" (adverb/phrase: "I go every day"). "Already" (adverb: "she is already here") vs "all ready" (phrase: "we are all ready to go"). "Altogether" (adverb: "it is altogether wrong") vs "all together" (phrase: "we were all together"). Once you internalize the pattern, one word = adjective/adverb, two words = verb or phrase, all these pairs become easy.