maybe

/ˈmeɪbi/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmeɪbi/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmā-bē also ˈme-/ (ame, mw)

maybe — adverb

1. used to express that something could happen or be true, though you lack full cer

1.副詞A1
釋義

used to express that something could happen or be true, though you lack full certainty about it

例句

Maybe my friend will come to my house after school today.

maybe + [clause] for possibility; sentence-initial position

Jisoo thinks maybe the bus is late this morning.

同義詞
  • perhaps

    slightly more formal than 'maybe'; common in both writing and speech

  • possibly

    suggests a real but not certain chance; often used with 'could' or 'might'

反義詞
  • certainly

    expresses complete confidence, the opposite of uncertainty

  • definitely

    states something as sure, with no doubt

文法句型

maybe + [clause]

maybe at start of sentence

常見錯誤

❌Maybe he will comes late.
✅Maybe he will come late.
💡After 'maybe', the verb still follows normal subject-verb agreement with the subject of the clause.

2. placed before a quantity or figure to indicate that it is a rough estimate, not

2.副詞A2
釋義

placed before a quantity or figure to indicate that it is a rough estimate, not an exact value

例句

The bag costs maybe twenty dollars, but I am not sure.

maybe + [number] for approximation

There were maybe forty people at the school show last night.

同義詞
  • approximately

    the formal equivalent; preferred in academic and business writing

  • roughly

    similar meaning but slightly less formal than 'approximately'

  • about

    the most common informal alternative; 'about ten minutes' vs 'maybe ten minutes'

反義詞
  • exactly

    states a precise number with no approximation

文法句型

maybe + [number/amount]

用法筆記

Only this sense places 'maybe' directly before a number, quantity, or measurement. In formal academic writing, use 'approximately' instead.

常見錯誤

❌The meeting is at maybe 3 PM.
✅The meeting is at around 3 PM.
💡'maybe' before a specific time sounds unnatural in this pattern; use 'around' or 'about' for times.

3. used at the start of a sentence to make a suggestion sound polite or less direct

3.副詞A2
釋義

used at the start of a sentence to make a suggestion sound polite or less direct, giving the other person room to refuse

例句

Maybe you could ask the teacher for help with your work.

maybe + you could / maybe + we should for polite suggestion

Maybe we should take a short break and get some water.

同義詞
  • perhaps

    can be used the same way but sounds slightly more formal; 'Perhaps you could try...'

文法句型

Maybe + [subject] + [modal verb]...

用法筆記

Followed by a clause with a modal verb ('could', 'should', 'would', 'can') to soften the suggestion. The rising intonation at the end makes the suggestion sound more tentative.

4. used as a reply that avoids a direct 'yes' or 'no', often because you are unsure

4.副詞B1
釋義

used as a reply that avoids a direct 'yes' or 'no', often because you are unsure or do not want to commit to an answer yet

例句

"Do you like the new teacher?" "Maybe — I need more time."

one-word answer: maybe as hedging

"Will you come to the party?" "Maybe, but I will tell you soon."

同義詞
  • perhaps

    used similarly as a hedging reply, but less common in short spoken answers

  • we'll see

    more casual and conversational; implies the decision depends on future events

文法句型

maybe as one-word answer

maybe + [but-clause]

用法筆記

As a one-word answer, 'maybe' can sound evasive or uncertain. In formal situations, it is better to give a clearer response such as 'I am not sure yet' or 'I will let you know.'

常見錯誤

❌Maybe' as a complete written answer in a formal email.
✅I will confirm my availability by Friday.
💡In writing, a single 'maybe' can seem dismissive.

5. used to introduce a possible cause or explanation for something that happened, w

5.副詞B1
釋義

used to introduce a possible cause or explanation for something that happened, when you are guessing the reason

例句

Maybe she was tired, so she did not come to the party.

maybe + [clause] for possible explanation

The door was open — maybe someone forgot to close it.

同義詞
  • perhaps

    works the same way when introducing a reason, but is slightly more formal

文法句型

maybe + [clause of reason]

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (POSSIBILITY): sense 1 says 'X might be true or might happen,' while this sense says 'X is a possible reason why Y occurred.' The clause following 'maybe' in this sense is usually a cause or explanation.

maybe — noun