maybe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maybe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express uncertainty or possibility regarding a situation or decision. Example: "Maybe we should consider a different approach to solve this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Maybe one".

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe it will.

The New York Times

There's got to be a way round it so maybe it is time for the FA to stand up and start punishing people for doing it".

The Guardian - Sport

Or maybe a bit of both.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's pretty horrific to push a mother to a point of saying, 'Well, if I need to sacrifice myself for my children, maybe that's what I'll do,' " she said.

The Guardian

But we get there, maybe at different speeds".

The Guardian

I don't know what I'm going to do, and maybe it's a mistake to decide now when I am in a euphoric state".

The Guardian - Film

On the other hand, maybe not.

The New York Times

Maybe they will.

The New York Times

One day, maybe.

The Economist

Maybe more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "maybe" to express uncertainty or possibility when you're not entirely sure about something. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "maybe" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for stronger, more precise language to convey confidence or use alternatives such as "perhaps" or "possibly" /s/perhaps.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "maybe" primarily functions as a modifier of verbs or entire clauses, expressing uncertainty or possibility. It indicates that something is not definite but has a chance of being true or happening, which is supported by the Ludwig AI analysis and numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

15%

Film

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maybe" is a versatile adverb used to express uncertainty or possibility. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It functions to soften statements or suggest potential outcomes. While suitable for most contexts, it's essential to consider formality; in highly formal settings, alternatives like "perhaps" may be more appropriate. With its high frequency in media and everyday conversations, mastering "maybe" ensures effective communication across various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perhaps

A more formal synonym expressing possibility or uncertainty.

possibly

Indicates a chance of something happening or being true.

conceivably

Highlights the possibility of something occurring or being imagined.

it is possible that

A longer phrase that explicitly states the possibility of something.

it could be that

Suggests a potential explanation or scenario.

potentially

Emphasizes the capacity for something to develop or happen.

it's a possibility

Directly states that something is a potential outcome.

one possibility is

Introduces one option among several potential outcomes.

it is conceivable that

A more formal way of suggesting that something is imaginable or possible.

under certain circumstances

Indicates that something might happen if specific conditions are met.

FAQs

How can I use "maybe" in a sentence?

"Maybe" can modify a verb to indicate possibility or uncertainty. For example: "Maybe we should consider a different approach." It can also stand alone as a short affirmation meaning "perhaps that is true".

What can I say instead of "maybe"?

You can use alternatives like "perhaps", "possibly", or "conceivably" depending on the context.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "maybe"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "maybe". It functions as an adverb modifying the entire sentence, expressing uncertainty about the statement that follows.

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

While both "maybe" and "perhaps" express uncertainty, "perhaps" is often considered more formal and polite. "Maybe" is generally used in more casual contexts.