may be “也许是”“可能是”may 是情态动词，与be一起作谓语。而maybe是副词，意为“也许”“可能”用作状语。如：
① Maybe you put it there.也许你把它放在那里了。
② But I’m afraid I may be a little late. 但我担心我可能晚了一点。
③ Maybe he’s wrong. = He may be wrong. 或许他错了。
④ Maybe the twin brothers are boating now. = The twin brothers may be boating now.现在那对双胞胎兄弟可能在划船。
⑤ Maybe /perhaps they’ll go on a picnic next week. = They may go on a picnic next week. 他们下周可能要去野餐。