Maybe vs May Be

Maybe is an adverb meaning perhaps.

  • Maybe I will go.
  • Maybe she is busy.
  • Maybe we should wait.

May be consists of the modal verb may and the verb be.

  • She may be late.
  • It may be difficult.
  • He may be at home.

Easy test

If you can replace the expression with perhaps, use maybe.

Maybe = perhaps.
May be = might be / could be.