maybe then

USAGE SUMMARY

"maybe then" is a valid part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to express a hypothetical possibility or a speculative idea. For example: "If I finish my project on time, maybe then I'll have time to go on vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Maybe PTSD.

The New York Times

Maybe "High Society".

The New York Times - Books

Well, maybe Botox.

The New York Times

DUKE Maybe Murdock.

The New York Times

Or maybe Gould imagined that.

The New Yorker

Well, maybe Beyoncé.

The Washington Post

Except maybe VS Naipaul.

The Guardian - Books

Failing that, maybe Tottenham.

The Guardian - Sport

Except maybe Justice Ginsburg.

The New York Times

The American Prospect has maybe 75,000 readers.

The New York Times - Magazine

We're thinking maybe Michael Douglas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "maybe then" to introduce a potential outcome or a sequence of events that depends on a specific condition being met. This phrasing effectively conveys uncertainty while indicating a temporal relationship between the condition and the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "maybe then" excessively in formal documents or academic papers. While grammatically correct, it can sound less assertive. Opt for stronger, more direct expressions of possibility like "it is possible that" or "subsequently" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maybe then" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a possible outcome or event that follows a certain condition or time. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and used to express hypothetical possibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

20%

Tech

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maybe then" functions as an adverbial phrase used to express a hypothetical possibility contingent on a prior event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, sports, and technology contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "it is possible that subsequently" in academic or professional writing to maintain a more assertive tone. Common errors involve overuse in formal settings, where more direct language is preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perhaps subsequently

Replaces "then" with "subsequently" to emphasize the temporal sequence after the possibility.

possibly afterward

Uses "afterward" instead of "then" to highlight the subsequent action or event.

potentially later

Emphasizes the potential aspect, replacing "then" with "later" for a less immediate sequence.

conceivably thereafter

Replaces "maybe" with "conceivably" and "then" with "thereafter" for a more formal tone.

it is possible that later

Adds a clause to explicitly state the possibility and time frame.

possibly at that time

Replaces "then" with "at that time" for a more specific indication of when the event might occur.

perhaps at a later stage

Specifies the "then" as a "later stage", indicating a point in a process or timeline.

potentially at a future moment

Highlights the future aspect and potential nature of the event.

conceivably at some point afterwards

Uses a more descriptive and lengthy alternative to emphasize the potential and subsequent nature.

it could be that subsequently

Expresses the possibility using "it could be" and replaces "then" with "subsequently".

FAQs

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

You can use "maybe then" to suggest a possible outcome contingent on a prior event. For example, "If I finish this report on time, "maybe then" I can take a vacation".

What phrases are similar to "maybe then"?

Similar phrases include "perhaps subsequently", "possibly afterward", or "potentially later". These alternatives express a similar sense of possibility and sequence.

Is "maybe then" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "maybe then" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more assertive or precise alternatives like "it is possible that subsequently".

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

"Maybe then" and "perhaps then" are largely interchangeable, both expressing a degree of uncertainty about a future event. "Perhaps" may be perceived as slightly more formal than "maybe", but the difference is minimal.