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may be vs maybe

The phrases 'may be' and 'maybe' are different in meaning and usage. 'May be' is used to express possibility or permission, while 'maybe' is an adverb used to indicate uncertainty or possibility. They are not interchangeable.

Last updated: March 29, 2024

may be

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is used to express possibility or permission.

Use 'may be' when you want to indicate a possibility or permission. It is often followed by a verb phrase.

Examples:

  • He may be late for the meeting.
  • It may be a good idea to call ahead.
  • She may be the one who took the keys.
  • There may be some truth to what he said.
  • The decision may be made by the end of the week.
  • Faith in your new apprentice misplaced may be.
  • This may be slightly unpleasant now...
  • But girls may be more selfish.
  • The definitions may be in a version control system.
  • Your awareness may be powerful enough to control your instincts.
  • That may be true of my nation.
  • That life may be fine for samurai.
  • An abstract macroscale model may be combined with more detailed microscale models.
  • 52 Signal Regiment may be the divisional signals unit.
  • Antibiotics may be equally effective in certain cases of non-ruptured appendicitis.
  • Most of these issues may be addressed.
  • Thus, the questions above may be analyzed.
  • Behavioral therapy may be useful for chronic pain.
  • Antiemetic medications may be helpful for treating vomiting in children.
  • Early exposure to potential allergens may be protective.
  • Inspiratory crackles may be heard on exam.
  • Iron chelation may be done with deferoxamine or deferasirox.
  • Pupil size may be an indicator of sadness.
  • The cocoon may be buried several centimetres deep in sand.
  • Kalotermitids' global distribution may be partially attributable to rafting and timber movement.

Alternatives:

  • might be
  • could be
  • possibly
  • perhaps
  • it is possible

maybe

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is an adverb used to indicate uncertainty or possibility.

Use 'maybe' as an adverb to express uncertainty or possibility. It is often used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.

Examples:

  • Maybe we should go to the store later.
  • I'm not sure, maybe it will rain tomorrow.
  • Maybe he will come to the party.
  • She said maybe she would consider the offer.
  • Maybe, but I'm not convinced.
  • 7 days ago ... maybe · adverb · noun · Synonyms · Example Sentences · Word History · Dictionary Entries Near maybe · Cite this Entry · Share.
  • Mar 25, 2022 ... Machine Gun Kelly "maybe ft. Bring Me The Horizon" available now: https://MGK.lnk.to/maybe Machine Gun Kelly's 'mainstream sellout (life in ...

Alternatives:

  • perhaps
  • possibly
  • it could be
  • it is possible
  • it might be

Related Comparisons

should be vs would be could be vs could be achieved would have been vs would be would be vs would become would became vs would be could be vs should be

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