Maybe vs. May be...

Hi guys, please could you clarify whether my understanding of the below is correct:

When can substitute the word perhaps then it is maybe. When the substitution doesn't make sense it's may be.

Many thanks in advance :-) - great site!

Sorry, I am trying to clarify when you use 'maybe' and when you use 'may be'.

I am pretty sure that if you replace maybe/may be with the word perhaps, then if the sentence makes sense then you should use maybe, but if it doesn't you should use may be - just wanted to check that this rule is correct!

Thanks guys!

Another thing that you can try is substituting "is"/"are"/"am" (as appropriate). If the sentence still makes sense then probably you want "may be".

Maybe - the possiblity or uncertainty as in perhaps.

May be - thing in terms of what is permissible and do not focus on the "be" linking verb.  You may eat.  You may sit.  You may enter the room.  May I be seated at this table?