Maybe vs. May be...

I don't understand what you are asking.
"Maybe" is an adverb, while "may be" is the modal verb "may" followed by the verb "to be".

Sorry, I am trying to clarify when you use 'maybe' and when you use 'may be'.

I am pretty sure that if you replace maybe/may be with the word perhaps, then if the sentence makes sense then you should use maybe, but if it doesn't you should use may be - just wanted to check that this rule is correct!

Thanks guys!

That is a good rule of thumb. We don't usually base rules on whether something "makes sense" because what makes sense to one person doesn't always make sense to another, but if that rule works for you, then you should use it.

Another thing that you can try is substituting "is"/"are"/"am" (as appropriate). If the sentence still makes sense then probably you want "may be".

Thanks guys :-), I will stick with that rule!


Andy

Maybe - the possiblity or uncertainty as in perhaps.

May be - thing in terms of what is permissible and do not focus on the "be" linking verb. You may eat. You may sit. You may enter the room. May I be seated at this table?

There are several explanation from different resources, but all of them have the same explanation:

“Maybe” is an adverb meaning “perhaps,” so if you are uncertain whether to use this word or the phrase “may be,” try substituting “perhaps”: “Maybe she forgot I said I’d meet her at six o’clock” becomes “Perhaps she forgot. . . .” When the substitution makes sense, go wi