Be my guest

USAGE SUMMARY

'Be my guest' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an invitation or when granting permission. Example: 'Would you like to try this new dish? Be my guest!'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be my guest".

The New York Times

"Be my guest," she said.

The New York Times

Be my guest; keep the faith".

The New York Times - Sports

Be my guest!" Most of the motorists remained grim-visaged.

The New Yorker

"Be my guest," I said as she took the pencil and began to tap.

Independent

Be my guest, because he's dropped one at 12 and is +1.

The Guardian - Sport

"Be my guest," Hassan said, closing his browser, his interest piqued.

The New Yorker

Be my guest," Randall said.

Vice

PHYSICIST: Be my guest.

The New Yorker

Please, be my guest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Come back and be my guest".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Be my guest" when you genuinely want to offer something, whether it's a physical item, an opportunity, or simply your permission. Make sure your tone reflects your intent, as the phrase can sometimes be used sarcastically.

Common error

Avoid using "Be my guest" sarcastically without clear cues. If your tone or body language doesn't convey the sarcasm, the recipient might misinterpret your meaning, leading to misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Be my guest" is as an idiomatic expression used to grant permission or offer hospitality. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common way to tell someone they are allowed to do something, often with a welcoming tone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Be my guest" is a very common idiomatic expression used to grant permission or offer hospitality. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. The phrase is versatile, fitting into a range of contexts, though primarily found in News & Media. While generally neutral, its tone can shift based on context, sometimes even conveying sarcasm. Alternatives like "go ahead" or "help yourself" offer similar meanings. Remember that clarity of tone is essential to avoid misinterpretation when using this common phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Go ahead

A simple and direct way of giving permission.

Help yourself

Specifically used when offering something tangible, like food or drink.

Feel free

Offers a broader invitation to act without constraint.

Please do

A more formal and polite way of granting permission.

By all means

Emphasizes enthusiastic agreement or permission.

You're welcome to

Formally invites someone to do something.

Don't hesitate

Encourages someone to proceed without worry or reluctance.

Go right ahead

An emphatic version of "Go ahead", indicating strong permission.

Suit yourself

Can imply indifference or slight disapproval while still granting permission.

If you insist

Grants reluctant permission, often implying a lack of enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "Be my guest" in a sentence?

"Be my guest" is typically used to grant permission or offer hospitality. For instance, "Would you like to borrow my pen? Be my guest!" or "If you want to try solving the puzzle, "be my guest"".

What does "Be my guest" mean?

The phrase "Be my guest" means "go ahead", "feel free", or "help yourself". It's an idiom used to give someone permission to do something or to offer them something.

Are there any formal alternatives to "Be my guest"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "please do", "by all means", or "you're welcome to". These options are suitable for professional or polite contexts.

Can "Be my guest" be used sarcastically?

Yes, "Be my guest" can be used sarcastically to express reluctant permission or disapproval. The meaning depends heavily on tone and context, signaling the speaker's true feelings are opposite the literal meaning of the words.