maybe even

USAGE SUMMARY

"maybe even" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is possible, or even more extreme than what was originally suggested. For example: "We can go out for dinner tonight, maybe even to a fancy restaurant!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe even desirable.

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe even joy.

The New York Times

Or maybe even closer.

The New York Times

Maybe even queasy.

The New Yorker

Maybe even sooner.

Independent

Maybe even that barista.

The New Yorker

And maybe even Ooh!

Independent

Maybe even bite.

The New Yorker

Maybe even end it.

The New York Times

Maybe even appropriate.

The New Yorker

Maybe even manhood.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "maybe even" to introduce an element of surprise or escalation. It works well when you want to suggest something is not just possible, but perhaps more likely or significant than initially implied.

Common error

While "maybe even" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound less polished. Consider using more precise language to convey possibility or emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maybe even" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding a nuance of possibility and augmentation to a preceding statement. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it suggests that something is not only possible but potentially more significant or likely than initially implied.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

24%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Maybe even" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express possibility with a hint of amplification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media, Academic, and Wiki contexts. While it leans towards a neutral to informal register, overuse in formal writing should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "perhaps also" or "possibly even" for more formal tones. Its purpose is to suggest a higher degree of likelihood or a more extreme outcome than initially mentioned, adding a layer of emphasis to the statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perhaps also

Replaces "maybe" with "perhaps", offering a slightly more formal tone while retaining the sense of addition.

possibly even

Substitutes "maybe" with "possibly", indicating a similar level of uncertainty but with a slightly different emphasis.

it could even be

Emphasizes the potential for something to be true, highlighting the possibility.

it's even possible that

Directly states the possibility of something, placing emphasis on the "even" to amplify the likelihood.

it's conceivable that

Introduces a more formal and speculative tone, suggesting that something is within the realm of possibility.

conceivably, also

Similar to "perhaps also", but with a stronger emphasis on the idea being conceivable or imaginable.

it's not impossible that

Uses a double negative to convey the possibility of something happening, often implying a degree of surprise if it were to occur.

potentially, too

Suggests that something is not only possible but also a potential addition or outcome.

there's a chance, too

Acknowledges the existence of a possibility, implying it is another factor to consider.

by some chance, also

Highlights the role of chance or luck in the possibility of something occurring.

FAQs

How can I use "maybe even" in a sentence?

You can use "maybe even" to suggest something is possible, and perhaps more likely or extreme than what was just mentioned. For instance, "We could go to the park, "maybe even" have a picnic."

What are some alternatives to using "maybe even"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "perhaps also", "possibly even", or "it could even be" to express a similar idea.

Is "maybe even" formal or informal?

"Maybe even" leans towards the informal side but is generally acceptable in most types of writing. For very formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "it is conceivable that".

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

"Maybe" suggests a simple possibility, while "maybe even" implies a stronger possibility or an escalation of the original idea. It adds an element of surprise or emphasis. Compare "I'll go to the store" with "I'll go to the store, "maybe even" buy you something".