May I interject?

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "May I interject?" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to politely interrupt a conversation or discussion to add your thoughts. Example: "During the meeting, I raised my hand and said, 'May I interject?' to share my perspective." Alternative expressions include "May I interrupt?" and "Can I add something?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

LAUREN COLLINS: May I interject on the poultry front?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Professor Robert Shiller: Can I just interject a question there?

Yale University

"Everything, about me, the Internet…" I quickly interject: When did he get into computers, get online?

Forbes

RICHARD RUBACK: Or if I may interject, your boss's boss may take a disliking to your boss.

Harvard Business Review

And, if I may interject, if my inbox is any indication, I would say it's not unreasonable to expect that number to be higher.

TechCrunch

'...Real?' I interject.

The Guardian - Film

"Yes," I interject.

The Guardian - Books

I interject a second time.

The Guardian

not right now," I interject.

Huffington Post

"That was Thelma," I interject.

Huffington Post

"You know guys," I interject.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "May I interject?" when you want to politely and formally enter an ongoing conversation. It shows respect for the current speaker while indicating your desire to contribute.

Common error

Avoid using "May I interject?" in very informal settings or when speed is crucial. A simpler, more direct approach might be more appropriate to avoid sounding overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "May I interject?" is to serve as an interrogative phrase used to politely seek permission to interrupt a conversation or discussion. It's a request for allowance to contribute, as supported by Ludwig's examples which includes phrases with the same semantic meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "May I interject?" is a polite and formal interrogative phrase used to request permission to speak during an ongoing conversation or discussion. As noted by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and most suitable for professional and neutral settings. While less common in very informal contexts, it effectively signals a desire to contribute while showing respect for the current speaker. Alternatives include "Can I add something?" or "May I interrupt?", which can be more appropriate depending on the situation. Remember to avoid overusing this phrase in casual settings, where simpler expressions might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Do you mind if I interject?

Similar to the original but phrased as a question of permission.

Can I add something?

A direct and common way to ask to contribute to a conversation.

May I interrupt?

Similar in politeness but broader, as it doesn't necessarily imply adding something specific.

Excuse me, could I say something?

A polite way to interject, particularly in a formal setting.

If I may?

A concise and polite way to signal a desire to speak.

Before we move on, may I add something?

Specific in timing, indicating a desire to add information before a transition.

Would you mind if I jumped in?

Slightly more informal, implying joining an ongoing discussion.

May I offer a different perspective?

Indicates a desire to present an alternative viewpoint.

Can I chime in here?

An informal way to ask to contribute, suggesting a brief comment.

Perhaps I could offer a suggestion?

More tentative and focused on providing a suggestion.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "May I interject?"

The phrase "May I interject?" is suitable for formal discussions, meetings, or when you want to politely interrupt someone to add a point. It signals respect for the current speaker and indicates your intention to contribute constructively.

What are some alternatives to "May I interject?"?

You can use alternatives like "can I add something", "may I interrupt", or "excuse me can I say something" depending on the formality and context.

How does "May I interject?" differ from "May I interrupt?"

"May I interrupt?" is a general request to break into a conversation. "May I interject?" specifically implies that you wish to insert a comment or point relevant to the ongoing discussion. Therefore, "May I interject" is more context-specific.

Is "May I interject?" too formal for casual conversations?

While grammatically correct, "May I interject?" can sound overly formal in casual settings. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "can I chime in here" or "can I add something", which are more relaxed and conversational.