Maybe or May be – What is the difference?

[معلمة إنجليزي]

When do you use maybe and when do you use may be?

This is a common mistake for students learning English (and sometimes native speakers too!).

The simplest explanation is:
Maybe = perhaps
May be = is possibly


Our boss was sick yesterday so he may be absent from work today. Maybe our meeting will be postponed until he comes back.
He may be creative or maybe he is just crazyA bit more detail…
MAYBE

Maybe is an adverb that means perhaps.
Maybe it will stop raining soon. = Perhaps it will stop raining soon.
A: I thought Suzy would be here by now. B: Maybe she forgot.


MAY BE


May is a modal verb which indicates possibility.


He may be lost = It is possible that he is lost
This may be the best website = This is possibly the best website


After may be we usually have an adjective, a noun or a verb (in ING form)


He may be crazy. (may be + adjective)
He may be a genius. (may be + article + noun)
He may be trying too hard. (may be + verb ING form)


Remember that May is similar to Might


He may be late = He might be late


Maybe you have a better explanation than this. http://www.woodwardenglish.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif

[Muhamed]

useful lesson
thanks a lot

[J A M I L A H]

wow

wonderful :biggrin:

but is there any difference in their pronunciations ?

[SomeOne Else]

^^

I think yes, cause in Maybe you say it one shot as one word, and in May be you pronounce it like saying two words,

Regards,