Differentiate between Maybe and May be in English & Practice exercises

Maybe and May be - these two words are written similarly, but do they have similar usage? This is a question that many learners of English find confusing. In this article, PREP will help you understand the definitions of Maybe and May be, as well as the most detailed distinction between Maybe and May be!

I. What is Maybe?

Before we proceed to distinguish between Maybe and May be in English, let's explore the concept of "Maybe" together with PREP, shall we?

1. Definition

What is Maybe? Maybe is an adverb that carries the meaning of "possibly, perhaps, or potentially." Refer to the examples below about Maybe and May be:

• Maybe we can meet up for coffee next week and catch up on old times.
• I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make it to the party, but maybe I’ll stop by if my schedule allows. 
• She’s been acting distant lately, so maybe something’s bothering her that she hasn’t shared with us. 

2. Common structures

Maybe stands at the beginning of a sentence with the following structures:

Maybe + S + V + (O) …

For example:

• Maybe they’ll come tomorrow. 
• Maybe you were right after all. 

When positioned in the middle or at the end of a sentence, Maybe is often used to modify verbs, adjectives, or the overall meaning of the sentence. For example:

• I think maybe I ought to go around there and apologize for what I said.
• There were maybe 50 people there when I left. 

3. The usage

The most distinct difference between Maybe and May be is reflected in their usage. In what situations is Maybe typically used? Let's find out with PREP right below!

3.1. When the speaker is not certain about something happening or something being true

We use Maybe when we are uncertain about something happening or something being true. For example:

• Maybe the concert will be postponed due to the bad weather forecast, so we should check for updates before heading out. 
• Maybe Jane will come to the meeting later; she said she had something to finish first. 

3.2. Indicating an approximate or uncertain quantity/figures

In addition to using "Approximately" to express an estimate of quantity, we can also use Maybe. For example:

• There were maybe around 50 people at the party last night, but I didn’t count them exactly. 
• The project might take maybe three to four weeks to complete, depending on how smoothly everything goes. 

3.3. Making suggestions, recommendations

Maybe can also be used to make suggestions or recommendations. For example:

• Maybe we should try that new restaurant downtown for dinner tonight. I heard their food is really good. 
• Maybe you could try studying in the morning when your mind is fresher. 

3.4. Responding to a question/idea when unsure whether to agree or not

When you are unsure whether to agree or not to a question or invitation, you can also use maybe. For example:

• A: Do you think we should go hiking this weekend? 
• B: Maybe, but I’m not sure if I have all the necessary gear. 

4. Common phrases including Maybe

Below are common phrases including Maybe.

• Maybe another time/Maybe some other time.
• Mama’s baby, papa’s maybe.
• Call me maybe.
• I don’t mean maybe.

5. Synonyms of Maybe

Apart from using only "Maybe" in a sentence, you can apply more flexibility by using synonymous phrases with it that PREP provides below:

II. What is May be?

To accurately distinguish between Maybe and May be in English, let's refer to the following content to understand what "May be" is and how to use this phrase.

1. Definition

What is "May be"? "May be" is defined as a phrase formed by combining the modal verb "may" and the base form of the verb "be." This phrase carries the meaning of possibility or uncertainty, and it is positioned after the subject in a sentence. For example:

• There may be a singer coming to my school. 
• Jerry may be hard. 

2. The usage

"May be" is often used to add meaning to a sentence, indicating the possibility of an action or event. For example:

• They may be sisters. 
• Nam may be writing an essay. 

III. Differences between Maybe and May be

Below, PREP has provided a comparison between Maybe and May be to help you distinguish between the two words. Take a look at the differentiating table of Maybe and May be below to avoid confusion when using them!

IV. Exercises on Maybe and May be with detailed answers

To help you clearly understand the differences between "May be" and "Maybe," PREP has provided a practice section with answers for you to exercise. Refer to it right away!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill Maybe or May be into the following blanks

• I’m not sure if I can make it to the party tonight, but I’ll ___ able to come later.
• She said she ___ able to join us for dinner, but she had to check her schedule first.
• Our company  ___  holding a signing ceremony this Saturday.
• ___ you’re right, and this is the solution we’ve been looking for.
• He’s been working hard, so he ___ feeling a bit tired by the end of the day.
• A: Should we watch a movie tonight? B: ___, but I’m feeling a bit tired, so I’m not sure if I’ll stay awake through the whole movie.

Exercise 2: Rearrange the order of the words to make a meaningful sentence:

• sunny / day / It / may be / a.
• you / Maybe / should / the / try / other / option.
• to / party / the / attend / I / may be / tonight’s / able.

2. Answer keys

Exercise 1:

• maybe
• may be
• may be
• Maybe
• may be
• Maybe

Exercise 2:

• It may be a sunny day.
• Maybe you should try the other option.
• I may be able to attend tonight’s party.

V. Take the First Step Towards IELTS Success 

Hopefully, the article about Maybe and May be provided by PREP above can help you understand the differences between the two more clearly. If Band 7+ is your goal, our expert strategies will get you there—check them out

• IELTS online: Unlock Your IELTS Success Story.