|
|
 #2 (permalink) Thu Mar 13, 2008 12:27 pm may be vs. maybe |
|
|
.
Maybe is an adverb: Maybe we can visit the king.
May be is an auxiliary verb + linking verb: We may be able to visit the King.
The adverb was derived from the verb phrase in the 15th century:
Maybe I'll see you later = It may be (that) I'll see you later.
.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's |
|
 Mister Micawber
Language Coach
Joined: 17 Jul 2005
Posts: 13015
|
|
| #3 (permalink) Sat Feb 27, 2010 10:57 am May be vs. Maybe |
|
|
Hello,
What's the difference between (may be) and (maybe)?
Regards,
Nola
_________________
Nola |
|
Nola
I'm here quite often ;-)
Joined: 30 May 2008
Posts: 100
|
 |
| #4 (permalink) Sat Feb 27, 2010 11:11 am may be vs. maybe |
|
|
Hi Nola,
When you say 'maybe', you are really saying possibly or perhaps as in:
A: Are you going to the party tonight?
B: Maybe, I'm not sure yet.
When the two words are separated, the verb 'may' is used to express the idea in the full sense of something being possible as in:
The story may be true (is possibly true) but I need to find out more information. Of course 'may' can also suggest permission as in:
You may be allowed (You may have permission) to leave work early today.
Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple |
|
Alan
Co-founder
Joined: 27 Sep 2003
Posts: 13891
Location: UK
|
|
| #5 (permalink) Sat Feb 27, 2010 11:58 am may be vs. maybe |
|
|
Hello Alan,
Many great thanks for your explanation.
Regards,
Nola
_________________
Nola |
|
Nola
I'm here quite often ;-)
Joined: 30 May 2008
Posts: 100
|
|
|
| future tense | Proper placement of the word "below" |
