Master confusing words with ease
May be vs. Maybe
May be
/meɪ biː/Examples:
Considering the weather, it may be better to stay home.It may be time to rethink the company's strategy.There may be more guests arriving later tonight.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Maybe
/ˈmeɪbi/Examples:
Maybe you'll find someone else after you bury her."Maybe, you don't feel that I love you.'Maybe the Yankees are not there yet.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Maybe is a single word, which can easily be swapped with perhaps in a sentence.
- May be is two words and is typically similar to might be.
- When youre unsure which to use, see if it works in a sentence with perhaps or might be'.
- If maybe fits, write it as one word. If may be makes more sense, use two words.
- Remember that maybe suggests an adverbial possibility, while may be deals with a modal verb and the verb be.
© 2025 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd