May be vs maybe (possibility)

ADVERBS, MODALITY

Here we explain the differences between may be and maybe

  • ‘maybe‘ is usually an adverb that means ‘perhaps’ or ‘possibly’.
  • ‘may‘ is usually a modal auxiliary verb with many uses related to ‘possibility’, ‘permission’ etc.
He is in Vietnam.  (sure.)
He may be in Vietnam. (50% sure.)
Maybe, he is in Vietnam. (50% sure.)
‘be’ = bare infinitive.  We can use other verbs in this position.
He may go to Thailand. (future possibility)
Maybe, he will go to Thailand. (future possibility)