maybe vs. may be

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Linguistic Reminder

(A similar problem is discussed in French in the reminder Peut-être et peut être.)

Problem

Some of us are unsure when to write maybe as one word and may be as two words. These homonyms sound alike, of course, but have different meanings and functions.

Solution

May be is a verb phrase made up of the auxiliary verb may and the linking verb be:

  • My in-laws may be visiting us next week.

Maybe functions as an adverb and means perhaps:

  • Maybe the storm will pass quickly.

Note: Maybe can also be used as a noun:

  • I was hoping for a yes, but I got a maybe instead.

Tips

To decide whether you should use the one-word or two-word spelling, try the following substitutions:

If you can substitute perhaps, then write maybe (one word).

If you can substitute might be, then write may be (two words).

Maybe (Perhaps) we'll tour Vancouver Island.

I may be (might be) going to Vancouver Island in July.

References

In preparing this linguistic reminder, we consulted the following sources:

Fowler's Modern English Usage (2008)
The Business Writer's Handbook (2009)
The Gregg Reference Manual (2006)
Writing Tips

Linguistic Recommendation reference number

REM-26/2010-10

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