"may not be" vs "may be not"

Question

"may not be" vs "may be not"

The correct phrase is "may not be." The phrase "may be not" is not a standard construction in English. When using "may not be," the negation is placed before the verb "be" to indicate the possibility of something not being true.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

The phrase "may not be" is used to indicate the possibility of something not being true. The negation is placed before the verb "be."

Alternatives:

might not be
could not be
may be incorrect
may be wrong
may be mistaken

The phrase "may not be" is used to express uncertainty or possibility that something is not true. The negation is placed before the verb "be."

Alternatives:

might not be
could not be
may be incorrect
may be wrong
may be mistaken

Answer 1

may not be

This phrase is the correct form in English. It is commonly used to express uncertainty or possibility that something is not true.

Answer 2

may be not

This phrase is not correct in English. The correct form is "may not be."

"may not be" vs "may be not"

may not be

may be not

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