Permit me to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Permit me to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to formally request the opportunity to provide clarification or details about a topic. Example: "Permit me to explain the reasoning behind our decision to change the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Permit me to explain.

The New Yorker

Permit me to explain, because we can all win if we get this right.

TechCrunch

Permit me to explain (listen closely, my Republican friends).

Huffington Post

If you live in New York, or China, India may seem a long way to go to buy a j Permit me to explain.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Allow me to explain.

The New York Times

Permit me to elucidate.

The Guardian - Books

Permit me to make one impractical suggestion.

The New Yorker

Permit me to sketch in the background.

The New Yorker

Permit me to introduce Reverón.

The New York Times

Permit me to use another example.

SEP

Permit me to introduce myself.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Permit me to explain" when introducing a somewhat formal or important explanation. It's particularly effective when you want to establish a sense of authority or expertise on a topic.

Common error

Avoid using "Permit me to explain" in casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious in everyday settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "Let me explain" or "I'll explain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Permit me to explain" functions as a polite and somewhat formal way to introduce an explanation. Ludwig AI considers it a correct and usable phrase. It sets the stage for a detailed or important explanation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Permit me to explain" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as noted by Ludwig AI, best suited for formal contexts where a polite and respectful tone is desired. While the phrase is effective in establishing authority and signaling a detailed explanation, it should be used judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding pretentious. Alternatives like "allow me to explain" or "let me explain" offer more casual options. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase serves to introduce clarifications and elaborate on subjects in a refined manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Permit me to elaborate

Focuses on providing more details.

Allow me to explain

More conversational and slightly less formal.

Allow me to clarify

Highlights the intention of making something clearer.

Let me explain

Most informal and direct.

Kindly allow me to elaborate

More polite and emphasizes detailed explanation.

If I may explain

Expresses uncertainty or deference.

Perhaps I can clarify

Suggests clearing up confusion.

May I offer an explanation

More formal and courteous, requesting permission.

To explain

A very concise way to introduce an explanation.

Consider this explanation

Invites the listener to accept the forthcoming explanation.

FAQs

What does "Permit me to explain" mean?

The phrase "Permit me to explain" is a polite and somewhat formal way of asking for the opportunity to provide an explanation or clarification on a particular matter.

When is it appropriate to use "Permit me to explain"?

It is appropriate to use "Permit me to explain" in formal settings, when addressing someone of authority, or when you want to convey respect and offer a detailed explanation. It can also be used to indicate that you have specialized knowledge about a topic.

What can I say instead of "Permit me to explain"?

You can use alternatives like "allow me to explain", "let me explain", or "may I explain" depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "Permit me to explain" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "Permit me to explain" is generally considered too formal for everyday conversation. Simpler alternatives like "let me explain" or "I'll explain" are more appropriate in informal settings.