Word Usage

Mary W. Ng

June 26, 2009

maybe, may be

Maybe is an adverb used to show that something is possible. May be is a modal auxiliary verb phrase used to express possibility.

Incorrect:Robert maybe in his office.
Correct:Robert may be in his office.
Incorrect:May be you can figure out the answer to this question.
Correct:Maybe you can figure out the answer to this question.