American English

How to pronounce maybes

adverb · nounA1Very common word
MEYbeez

/ˈmeɪ.biz/

2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.

Related entry: maybe

used to say that something is possible but not certain

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

adverb

used to say that something is possible but not certain

Maybe we'll eat at home tonight.

Maybe she forgot the meeting.

Good to know

Maybe is one word: Maybe he is tired. May be is two words: He may be tired.

Common phrases & grammar

maybe later · maybe tomorrow · maybe next time

Maybe + subject + verb

nouninformalless common

a person or thing that may be chosen or accepted, but is not certain

The trip is still a maybe.

She's a maybe for the job.

Common phrases & grammar

still a maybe · a maybe for the team

subject + be + a maybe

subject + be + a maybe + for + noun

Useful expressions

maybe so

it may be true

Maybe so, but let's check.

maybe not

it may not be true or happen

Maybe not. I need more time.

Related words & forms