Word of the Day: Maybe
The word “maybe” is used in response to a question in which the answer is “yes” or “no.” “Maybe” is an answer that is somewhere between “yes” or “no.” It’s also used when there’s uncertainty, or a person is unsure about something.
- A: Is it going to snow tomorrow?
- B: Maybe.
- A: Does the car have gas?
- B: Maybe. I’m not sure.
- Maybe we can go to the museum this week.
- Maybe he’ll find a good job if he moves to a bigger city.
- When Theresa retires, she might move to Arizona, or maybe she’ll go to Florida. She doesn’t know yet.
- Maybe this time I’ll win the lottery.
Don’t confuse the word “maybe” with the modal verb “may” and the main verb “be.” Maybe is one word. It doesn’t go after a subject. May be are two words which follow a subject. Listen to the examples below:
- I may be late. (Not, I maybe late.)
- She may be too tired. (Not, She maybe too tired.)
- He may be here later today. (Not, He maybe here later today.)
- Maybe she’s too tired.
- Maybe he’ll be here later today.
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with M page to see the list of all words starting with letter M. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
