Tip 643: Troublesome Words Eight: May be and Maybe

From the Writing Workshops: Troublesome Words: Maybe and May Be

We’re continuing our series on words that can get us in trouble. 

Our friend Mel Sweat asked about “maybe” and “may be.” What’s the difference? When should we use which? 

This may be a good topic to explore. And maybe others are concerned as well. (HA!) 

Both deal with possibility, but each plays a different part. 

May Be

As two words, “may be” is what English teachers call a “verb phrase.” Two words (a phrase, not just a single word) acting as a verb (in this case, as a connector, as a rough “equals” sign). For example—

Calculus may be hard.

With the two-word “may be,” we’re saying that calculus could possibly be difficult. Could possibly make our heads explode. Could possibly ruin our chances for medical school.

Maybe

As one word, “maybe” is what English teachers call an “adverb.” A describer. It describes an action word—

Maybe I’ll go to law school instead.

(“Maybe” describing the possibility of going to law school.) 

Or another describer—

I can finish law school in maybe six years.

(“Maybe” describing the possible number of years it will take to get through law school. Most students do it in three.)

Quick Quiz

Right or wrong? 

  1. Accounting maybe a better choice for you.

  2. Maybe you’ll enjoy the numbers.

  3. You may be an excellent CPA.

Don’t Look Here

Wrong. Right. Right. 

We love this stuff. 

Thank you for reading.

Kurt Weiland