"to be" vs "may be"

Question

"to be" vs "may be"

Both "may be" and "to be" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "May be" is used to express possibility or uncertainty, while "to be" is used to indicate a state or condition. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

Use "to be" to describe a state, condition, or identity of something or someone. It is often used in sentences like "to be or not to be" or "to be continued."

Examples:

To be or not to be, that is the question.
The report is to be submitted by Friday.
The decision is to be made by the board.
The book is to be published next month.
The project is to be completed by the end of the year.

Alternatives:

is
are
will be
being
being done

Use "may be" to indicate that something is possible or uncertain. It is often used when speculating about a situation or outcome.

Examples:

It may be raining tomorrow.
He may be late for the meeting.
The answer may be in the next chapter.
She may be right about the solution.
There may be a problem with the software.

Alternatives:

might be
could be
possibly is
potentially is
is likely

Answer 1

to be

The phrase "to be" is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a state or condition.

Answer 2

may be

The phrase "may be" is correct and commonly used in English to express possibility or uncertainty.

"to be" vs "may be"

to be

may be

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