The difference between maybe and might be
Moderator: Josef Essberger
The difference between maybe and might be
hi every body
can anyone explain to me the usage of maybe and might be?
with my regards
chocalate
can anyone explain to me the usage of maybe and might be?
with my regards
chocalate
Firstly, "maybe" is an adverb. We use the word to say that something is possible or true, but we are not certain. E.g
"How old is John? ~ I don't really know. In her twenties, certainly. Twenty-five, maybe."
I think you mean "may be" and "might be", both modal auxiliaries that again, express that there is a chance that something is true or may happen. May and might are used to talk about present or future events. They can normally be used interchangeably, although might suggests a smaller chance of something happening. Compare the following:
"I may go Italy this summer. And you might like to come with me!"
"How old is John? ~ I don't really know. In her twenties, certainly. Twenty-five, maybe."
I think you mean "may be" and "might be", both modal auxiliaries that again, express that there is a chance that something is true or may happen. May and might are used to talk about present or future events. They can normally be used interchangeably, although might suggests a smaller chance of something happening. Compare the following:
"I may go Italy this summer. And you might like to come with me!"
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That’s true, ‘might’ is an auxiliary verb whereas ‘maybe’ is an adverb, therefore ‘might’ and ‘may’ are very similar.
'Might' is not usually used at the beginning of a sentence – a common error with learners of English (my girlfriend is particularly bad with this one).
E.g. ‘Might he is a vegetarian.’ as opposed to ‘Maybe he is a vegetarian.’
Or
Q: ‘Will you go to Italy this summer?’
A: ‘Might I will.’
An alternative that I think is underused in these situations is ‘perhaps’.
'Might' is not usually used at the beginning of a sentence – a common error with learners of English (my girlfriend is particularly bad with this one).
E.g. ‘Might he is a vegetarian.’ as opposed to ‘Maybe he is a vegetarian.’
Or
Q: ‘Will you go to Italy this summer?’
A: ‘Might I will.’
An alternative that I think is underused in these situations is ‘perhaps’.
I agree. I think the confusion in the use of "might" at the beginning of a sentence, is that it can be used, instead of can / may, when making a request in the first person singular form.
"Might I take this book?"
But for students, until they use English like Shakespeare, they should "When in doubt, leave it out!".
And use, as you point out, words like "perhaps".
"Might I take this book?"
But for students, until they use English like Shakespeare, they should "When in doubt, leave it out!".
And use, as you point out, words like "perhaps".
Aww but the second is a question, is it not?bambang wrote:Look at these sentences.
I might/may be late.
Maybe I am late.
Both sentences basically have the same meaning.
"May be" in the first sentence is written in two words while "maybe" in the second sentence is written in one word.
Do you think so dear Jasminade and Peter?
Maybe, I am late? (interrogative form). I maybe late (positive form).
Last edited by jasminade on 11 Jul 2007, 14:09, edited 1 time in total.
Apologies, for any confusion.bambang wrote:Dear Jasminde.
You are the master. No
You are from Ireland. Yes
You are a native speaker. Yes
What do you mean with "interrogate form"? Please see my edit above (I type too fast at times, it should have read "interrogative", that is, "question form").
Please elaborate it more.
Thanks in advance.
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- jonnielsen
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Re: The difference between maybe and might be
There is no difference between may and might worth agonizing about. may sounds a bit more formal to my ear. And may cannot be used where a past tense is required in tense matching: "I knew I might be late. Not I knew I may be late." In other situations, both are used the same way.
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Re:
Maybe because more natural language might tend towards:Peter Easton wrote:'Maybe I'll be late' sounds less correct ...
I may be late. or I might be late.
Both which convey the same meaning especially if evoking an unuttered if clause.
I offer any information or advice 'as is' and hope that it has been of help. I am not an admin of this board, and my postings do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the board management.
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Re: The difference between maybe and might be
I might do something in the future, but saying "maybe I am" refers to what is already happening right now. geometry dash lite