Difference Between MAY BE and MAYBE

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maybe vs may be

MAYBE

1.ย Maybe is an adverb, and it means โ€˜perhapsโ€™. Itโ€™s written as one word.

[Tweet โ€œMaybe is an adverb, and it means โ€˜perhapsโ€™.โ€]

Examples:

  • Maybe they went to the movies.ย 

2.We also use maybe to express uncertainty:

  • Would you like some pancakes for breakfast?
  • Maybe. Iโ€™m still deciding whether I want pancakes or toast.ย 

ย 

MAY BE

1.ย May be โ€“ here may is a modal verb and be is a main or auxiliary verb.ย May and be are two separate words.

[Tweet โ€œMay be โ€“ here may is a modal verb and be is a main or auxiliary verb.โ€]

Examples:

  • There may be rain tonight.
  • She may be waiting at the train station.ย 

ย 

2. We usually haveย an adjective, a noun or a verb (in ING form) after may be:

  • He may be handsome.ย 
  • She may be a mathematician.ย 
  • John may be driving too fast.ย 

Remember:

MAYBE โ€“ adverb (one word)

MAY BE โ€“ modal + main/auxiliary verb (two words)

I hope it makes sense now ๐Ÿ™‚

Read more:
Perhaps or Maybe!
Difference Between MAY, MIGHT, MAY HAVE And MIGHT HAVE!

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