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 / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| adverb meaning “perhaps” | maybe | Use the one-word adverb. |
| modal verb + be | may be | Use two words when “might be” can occupy the same grammatical slot. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Can the form be replaced by “perhaps” without changing the sentence structure?
If yes: Use “maybe.”
If no: Test whether “might be” fits; if it does, use “may be.”
Caveat: Meaning can overlap, so decide by grammatical role rather than uncertainty alone.
Examples
Maybe the meeting will finish early.
This exact example preserves the one-word adverb contract.
The meeting may be finished by noon.
This exact example preserves the two-word verb-phrase contract.
Maybe she may be available later.
The sentence can legitimately contain both forms because they perform different jobs.
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