“May Be” vs. “Maybe”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “may be” and “maybe”

  • "May be" is a verb phrase, while "maybe" is an adverb.
  • "May be" is used to talk about possibility or uncertainty as a verb, while "maybe" describes a verb.
  • "Maybe" can be considered casual and is less commonly used in formal writing than "may be."
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What is the definition of “may be” and “maybe”?

May be
  • "May be" is a phrase that expresses uncertainty or possibility.
  • It is often used to indicate that something is not confirmed or that there is a chance of it happening.
  • It also conveys that something might come true or not.
Maybe
  • "Maybe" is an adverb that expresses uncertainty or possibility.
  • It means "perhaps" or "it is possible."
  • It is used to show that something is not certain or definite.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“May be” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
May be
7,030,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The flight may be delayed due to bad weather.
  2. She may be tired from working late last night.
  3. There may be an alternative solution to the problem.
Maybe
971,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. Maybe we can try that new restaurant for dinner tonight.
  2. Maybe I'll stay in and watch a movie instead of going out.
  3. Maybe he didn't receive my message yet.
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