but maybe they

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but maybe they" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a possibility or uncertainty regarding a subject or group of people. Example: "I don't know if they will attend the meeting, but maybe they will surprise us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But maybe they should.

The New York Times

But maybe they would".

Independent

But maybe they shouldn't have.

The New York Times

But maybe they were barbarians.

The New Yorker

But maybe they don't.

The Washington Post

"But maybe they are.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But maybe they had.

The Guardian - Travel

But maybe they can.

The New York Times

But maybe they prefer the term "girls"?

Independent

— but maybe they weren't endangered yet.

The New Yorker

"But maybe they have already come back".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but maybe they" to introduce a contrasting possibility or suggestion after presenting an initial idea or statement. This adds nuance to your writing and acknowledges alternative outcomes.

Common error

While "but maybe they" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "however, it is possible that they" or "nevertheless, they might" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but maybe they" functions as a conjunction introducing a possibility or alternative. It serves to counter a previous statement or assumption with a suggestion of what could also be true. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but maybe they" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an alternative possibility or suggestion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very common in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic writing. While generally neutral, leaning towards informal, consider using more formal alternatives in highly professional settings. Remember to leverage this phrase to add nuance to your writing and acknowledge alternative outcomes effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet perhaps they

Replaces "but maybe" with "yet perhaps", maintaining a similar level of uncertainty.

however possibly they

Substitutes "but maybe" with "however possibly", offering a slightly more formal tone.

then again, they might

Rephrases the entire structure to emphasize the alternative possibility.

on the other hand, they could

Introduces a contrasting viewpoint with a focus on their potential action.

it's conceivable that they

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal expression of possibility.

conversely, it is possible they

Offers a contrasting perspective while indicating a potential outcome.

still, it's not impossible they

Highlights the possibility, even if it seems unlikely.

nonetheless, they might

Maintains a similar level of uncertainty using alternative wording.

all the same, they could

Expresses a similar sentiment of possibility despite a preceding statement.

even so, they may

Suggests a potential outcome despite previous information or expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "but maybe they" in a sentence?

"But maybe they" is used to introduce a contrasting possibility or suggestion. For example, "I don't think they'll come, "but maybe they" will surprise us."

What are some alternatives to "but maybe they"?

You can use alternatives such as "yet perhaps they", "however possibly they", or "on the other hand, they could" to express similar uncertainty or possibility.

Is "but maybe they" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "but maybe they" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "but maybe they" and "but perhaps they"?

The difference is subtle; both phrases express uncertainty or possibility. "But perhaps they" may sound slightly more formal or refined than "but maybe they", but they are largely interchangeable.