Maybe or may be

Maybe or may be

Dear Dr English,

I've noticed that "may be" is often written as one word. I'm not sure whether this is a typing error or if it has a different meaning that way. Please explain.

Sombat Thanaseri

"May be" and "maybe" are two different terms that are used in different contexts to explain different situations. "May" is a modal showing the possibility that something will happen in the future, but you don't know for sure. The sentence "Mary may come tomorrow" tells us there is a possibility that Mary will come tomorrow, but we don't know if she will definitely come. Look at this next sentence: "Sorry, Dan is not in today; he may be sick." From this sentence, Dan's colleague presumes there is a possibility that Dan is not well, but there could be a different reason why Dan is absent.

"Maybe" is an adverb that is used in many situations, as follows:

1. To indicate that something may be true or possible.

Maybe I'll go to the barbecue with you.

Give Jenny a call: maybe she can join us for dinner this Saturday.

2. When you are uncertain about a number or amount.

Did many people join the protest? - Maybe 3,000 or 4,000.

It looks as if that box can hold maybe 20 kilograms of oranges at the most.

3. To offer an explanation for something when you're not sure whether the explanation is true.

Maybe our puppy got lost and couldn't find its way home.

I know it's been more than two years now since Mandy divorced, but maybe she's still suffering from it.

4. To give an unclear or indefinite answer to a question.

We're going to the beach this weekend. Are you coming with us? - Maybe.

Can you come and help me tidy up our clubhouse this afternoon? - Maybe.

5. To indicate politely that you are considering or suggesting a course of action.

I don't mind if you want to sleep over, but maybe you should call your parents and tell them about your decision first.

Maybe you should cut down on alcohol and fatty foods.

6. To indicate that although an argument is partly true, there is another aspect of it that is also worth considering.

You guys think the amount approved for the budget is small. Well, maybe, but if you look at the whole list, it's 30 per cent of the overall budget.

You've been complaining that Miss Stiffle is very strict. Maybe she is, but she can also make you learn something.

By Dr English

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