maybe it is that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maybe it is that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a possibility or hypothesis about a situation or condition. Example: "Maybe it is that we need to reconsider our approach to the project to achieve better results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Maybe it is that important and people are willing to pay $125 for a suite of Microsoft products on a device that costs $500.

TechCrunch

It sounds really simplistic, and yet, maybe it is that simple: a meal shared?

Huffington Post

Maybe it is that time of the year with the Holidays near or that change has become a constant in our lives.

Huffington Post

And, sure, maybe it is that.

The New York Times

Or maybe it is that favours can be bought quite cheaply in British public life.

The Economist

Or maybe it is that he and time collaborated in the sculpting, or that time actually sculpted Linklater and Coltrane.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"Maybe it was that little speech.

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe it was that rich body.

The Guardian

Maybe it's that hippie generation.

The Guardian - Music

Or maybe it was that bloody dachshund.

The Guardian - Sport

Actually, maybe it was that last bit that bothered him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "maybe it is that", ensure the sentence flows logically and the clause that follows provides a clear and understandable suggestion.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "maybe it is that" in close succession. This can make your writing sound hesitant and undermine the strength of your argument. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "perhaps", "possibly", or rephrasing to state the possibility more directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maybe it is that" serves as a hedge, introducing a statement with a degree of uncertainty. It functions to present a potential explanation or reason without asserting it as a definitive fact. Ludwig provides examples that confirm its role in expressing possibilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maybe it is that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a tentative explanation or suggestion. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears commonly in various contexts, particularly in news and media and scientific writing. When using "maybe it is that", ensure clarity in your sentence construction and avoid overuse to maintain a strong and confident tone. It's best applied when you aim to present a possibility or hypothesis without stating it as an absolute certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perhaps that's why

Emphasizes the reason or cause more directly.

it may simply be that

Implies a basic, uncomplicated explanation.

one reason could be

Indicates one potential explanation among others.

it might be because

Introduces a possible explanation with a focus on causation.

the explanation might be

Focuses on a potential explanation without certainty.

it could be the reason

Suggests a potential cause or explanation.

it's potentially due to

Suggests a possible cause with an emphasis on potential.

conceivably, the reason is

Highlights the reason is understandable but not certain.

a possible cause is

Directly introduces a cause is conceivable but not definite.

possibly it stems from

Indicates the origin or source of something is uncertain.

FAQs

How can I use "maybe it is that" in a sentence?

Use "maybe it is that" to introduce a possible explanation or reason for something. For example, "Maybe it is that the store was closed due to the holiday."

What are some alternatives to saying "maybe it is that"?

You can use alternatives such as "perhaps it is that", "possibly it is that", or "it could be that" to introduce a tentative explanation.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "maybe it is that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "maybe it is that". It is used to express a suggestion or possibility.

What is the difference between "maybe it is that" and "maybe it's because"?

"Maybe it is that" introduces a statement of possibility, while "maybe it's because" specifies that the possibility is a reason or cause. The choice depends on whether you want to present a general suggestion or a potential cause.