In a comment to a previous post I was asked to write about the difference between the words: “maybe” and “may be.”\u00a0 That is what I am going to do today!<\/p>\n
To begin with let’s talk about the different parts of speech that these two words represent: “maybe” (one word) is an adverb and “may be” (two words) is a verb phrase.<\/p>\n
The word “maybe” has the same meaning as the word “perhaps” or “possibly.”\u00a0 These three words are synonyms.\u00a0 Therefore “perhaps” and “possibly” are words that can easily be substituted for the word “maybe” in a sentence.<\/p>\n
Here are some example sentences using the word “maybe” and explanations:<\/p>\n
Maybe<\/em> we are all going the wrong direction. = Perhaps we are all going the wrong direction. The words “may be” represent a verb phrase in which the modal verb ‘may’ expresses possibility and sometimes suggests permission.<\/p>\n Jaime may be<\/em> here.\u00a0 = It is possible that Jaime is here. In a sentence after the verb phrase “may be” you will usually find an adjective, a noun, or a verb ending in -ing. So, how are you going to remember the difference between these words.\u00a0 Here are some tricks:<\/p>\n “Maybe” and the word “adverb” are each one word, so they go together.<\/p>\n “May be” and “verb phrase” and each two words, so they go together.<\/p>\n Also, if you are unsure if you should use the word “maybe” or the phrase \u201cmay be,\u201d in a sentences you can see if the word \u201cperhaps\u201d fits in the sentence instead.\u00a0 If you can put the word “perhaps” into a sentence and it still makes sense then you should be using the word “maybe” in that same sentence.<\/p>\n Maybe you have some other hints or ideas about how to tell these two words apart, if so please share them with us all in the comments on this post.<\/p>\n It may be that you are looking for more ways to learn English?\u00a0 If so be sure to connect to Transparent Language’s<\/a> main website and Facebook<\/a> page.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In a comment to a previous post I was asked to write about the difference between the words: “maybe” and “may be.”\u00a0 That is what I am going to do today! To begin with let’s talk about the different parts of speech that these two words represent: “maybe” (one word) is an adverb and “may…<\/p>\n
\nMaybe<\/em>, I’m not sure yet. = Probably, I don’t know yet.<\/p>\n
\nThis may be<\/em> the best ESL blog ever. = This is possibly the best ESL blog ever.
\nYou may be<\/em> allowed to enter. = You may have permission to go in.<\/p>\n
\nShe may be<\/em> German. (may be + adjective)
\nShe may be<\/em> a magician. (may be + article + noun)
\nShe may be<\/em> working too much. (may be + verb ending in -ing)<\/p>\n