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Maybe Common

Maybe has 4 different meanings across 1 category:

Adverb

Definitions
Noun
1

Something that is possibly true.

"Maybe it will rain later today, so bring an umbrella just in case."

In plain English: A maybe is an uncertain possibility that something might happen but isn't guaranteed.

"The manager said we were going to the meeting, but I think maybe was just a guess."

Usage: Do not use "maybe" as a noun; instead, use it only as an adverb to express uncertainty before a verb or adjective. When referring to something possibly true, choose the correct noun forms like "possibility" or "chance."

Adjective
1

Possible; uncertain.

"I'm not sure if we can make it to dinner, so maybe I'll just grab something quick on my way home."

"The maybe candidate won't show up until later."

Usage: Do not use "maybe" as an adjective to describe nouns; instead, use it only as an adverb to express uncertainty about a statement or action. When you need an adjective meaning possible, choose words like "possible," "uncertain," or "tentative."

Adverb
1

by chance

"perhaps she will call tomorrow"

"we may possibly run into them at the concert"

"it may peradventure be thought that there never was such a time"

2

Modifies a verb, indicating a lack of certainty: it may be that...

"Maybe we should leave early to avoid the traffic."

In plain English: Maybe is used to show that you are not sure about something and will decide later.

"Maybe we can go to the park this afternoon."

Usage: Use maybe to express uncertainty about an action or event by placing it before the verb it modifies, such as in "Maybe we should leave." Do not use it to mean "perhaps" when introducing a complete clause at the start of a sentence.

Example Sentences
"The maybe candidate won't show up until later." adj
"Maybe we can go to the park this afternoon." adv
"The manager said we were going to the meeting, but I think maybe was just a guess." noun
Related Terms

Origin

Maybe comes from a shortened form of the Middle English phrase it may be. It entered modern usage as a casual contraction meaning that something is possible or uncertain.

Rhyming Words
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