Quick answer: Maybe (one word) is an adverb meaning "perhaps" or "possibly": Maybe it will rain today. May be (two words) is the modal verb "may" followed by "be", used to express possibility about a state or identity: This may be the last chance. Maybe modifies a whole idea; may be is part of the verb phrase. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘maybe’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| maybe | adverb | perhaps, possibly — modifies the whole sentence | Maybe we should ask for directions. |
| may be | modal verb "may" + verb "be" | expresses possibility about a state, identity, or location | He may be running late. |
Using Maybe
Maybe is a sentence adverb that expresses general possibility. It usually stands alone, often at the start of a sentence, and doesn't need a following verb to complete its meaning.
Maybe we'll go to the beach this weekend.
She's not answering — maybe her phone is off.
Maybe you're right about the schedule.
I could try the new restaurant, maybe next Friday.
Using May Be
May be combines the modal verb "may" with "be" to express possibility about someone's or something's state. It is followed by an adjective, noun, or location.
He may be tired after the long shift.
This may be the best offer we'll get.
They may be at the office already.
The delay may be caused by heavy traffic.
Memory Trick
Swap the word for "perhaps" — if it fits, write one word: "maybe". Swap it for "might be" — if that fits instead, keep it as two words: "may be".
Common Mistakes
✗ Maybe the answer to your question.
✓ That may be the answer to your question.
Since "may be" here is part of the verb phrase describing a state, it must stay as two words.
✗ May be we should leave now.
✓ Maybe we should leave now.
Tips to Avoid Confusion
- If you can replace the word with "perhaps", write it as one word: maybe.
- If you can replace it with "might be" or "could be", keep it as two words: may be.
- "Maybe" usually starts or interrupts a sentence; "may be" sits inside the verb phrase of the subject it describes.
- "May be" is almost always followed by a describing word or phrase (tired, the answer, at home).
For more on related grammar, see modal verbs. Also confusing: Afraid vs Frightened, Alone vs Lonely, Angry vs Furious. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: Maybe or May Be?
4 fill-in-the-blank questions — choose the correct word for each sentence.
1. “___ we'll finish the project early this time.”
2. “This ___ our best chance to fix the schedule.”
3. “He ___ stuck in traffic — he's usually never this late.”
4. “___, if we leave now, we can still catch the train.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between maybe and may be?
Maybe (one word) is an adverb meaning 'perhaps' or 'possibly': "Maybe it will rain today." May be (two words) is the modal verb 'may' followed by 'be', used to express possibility about a state or identity: "This may be the last chance." One is an adverb that modifies a whole sentence; the other is a verb phrase.
Why are maybe and may be so often confused?
They are pronounced the same way and both express uncertainty, so it's easy to forget that 'maybe' is a single adverb while 'may be' is two separate words functioning as a modal verb plus 'be'.
How can I test whether I need maybe or may be?
Try replacing the word with 'perhaps'. If 'perhaps' fits and the sentence still makes sense, use 'maybe'. If 'perhaps' doesn't fit but 'might be' does (e.g. "This might be the answer"), you need the two-word 'may be'.
Can maybe start a sentence?
Yes, this is very common: "Maybe we should leave earlier tomorrow." As a sentence adverb, 'maybe' often introduces the whole idea of possibility at the start of a clause.
Does may be always need a following adjective or noun?
Typically yes — 'may be' is followed by a complement describing a state, identity, or location: "He may be tired," "She may be the manager," "They may be at home." Without a complement, 'be' alone doesn't complete the thought.
Is maybe the same as 'may be' in meaning?
They both express uncertainty, but they work differently in a sentence. 'Maybe' modifies an entire statement from outside it ("Maybe he is tired"), while 'may be' is part of the sentence's own verb phrase ("He may be tired") — both are grammatically correct but structured differently.
Is 'may be' a passive construction?
It can be: 'may be' followed by a past participle forms a passive modal, as in "The package may be delivered tomorrow," meaning it's possible the delivery will happen.
Can maybe be used as a noun?
Informally, yes: "I don't want a maybe, I want a yes or no." Here 'maybe' is used informally as a noun meaning an uncertain answer, though this is casual usage rather than formal grammar.
What other modal verbs can replace 'may' in 'may be'?
'Might be' and 'could be' express similar possibility and can often replace 'may be': "He might be at home," "She could be the new manager." These are useful substitution tests to confirm you need the two-word modal form, not 'maybe'.
How can I remember maybe vs may be?
If you can swap the word for 'perhaps' and the sentence still works, write it as one word: 'maybe'. If you can swap it for 'might be' or 'could be', keep it as two words: 'may be'.