Maybe vs. May Be
“Maybe” is a one-word adverb meaning “perhaps,” while “may be” is the modal verb “may” followed by “be.” They can express similar uncertainty, but they occupy different grammatical positions, making substitution tests especially useful.
Use “maybe” when you mean “perhaps.” Use “may be” when “might be” fits the sentence as a verb phrase.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning/job | Use | Quick test |
|---|---|---|
| perhaps / possibly | maybe | replace with “perhaps” |
| modal possibility + be | may be | replace with “might be” |
The two forms can express similar uncertainty, so sentence structure—not meaning alone—decides the spelling.
Quick tests
Perhaps test
Can you replace the form with “perhaps” without changing the sentence structure?
If yes: Use “maybe.”
If no: Test whether “might be” fits instead.
Caveat: Rephrasing can change sentence structure; apply the test to the original grammatical slot.
Might-be test
Can the two words be replaced by “might be”?
If yes: Use “may be.”
If no: The adverb “maybe” may be the intended form.
Caveat: This identifies the modal-verb phrase, not every possible use of may.
Examples
Maybe the meeting will finish early.
“Maybe” is an adverb meaning “perhaps.”
The meeting may be finished by noon.
“May be” forms part of the verb phrase.
Further guidance
Grammar Boundary
Cambridge explicitly distinguishes one-word “maybe” from the modal phrase “may be.”
Search Intent
The page answers both spelling and grammar-role intent instead of treating the forms as interchangeable spellings.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Maybe or may be? (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary / English Grammar Today · One-word adverb versus modal verb + be