allow me to ask

USAGE SUMMARY

"allow me to ask" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used when you are making a request, such as when asking a question or seeking permission. For example: "Allow me to ask, do you have any plans for this weekend?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Perhaps you will allow me to ask you a question before you answer?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Is there some law that would allow me to ask my landlord to do something about the birds?..

The New York Times

Allow me to ask you a question: Can you recall the last time you woke up without an alarm clock feeling refreshed, not needing caffeine?

University of California, Berkeley

As an opportunity to extend my Princeton education, allow me to ask a few questions regarding the article on Professor Kuziemko's analysis of voter shifts (Life of the Mind, Dec. 7).

Princeton University

It was a race crime, but I began to see a way in which it might allow me to ask my readers serious questions about their own attitudes to race and creed.

The Guardian - Books

I am trying to find out about [your objectives] and wondered if you would you be kind enough to spare 20 minutes or so to allow me to ask you a few questions about this?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It allows me to ask different questions, and I get to read the newspaper regularly," Svinth said.

The New Yorker

It allowed me to ask some basic questions that I wouldn't have been able to otherwise.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The fact that I'm an outsider allows me to ask my staff what is great and what can be done better with complete candor," Mr. Zugazagoitia said.

The New York Times

Despite my nerves, the meeting goes well and I am pleased that my online research beforehand allowed me to ask some relevant questions.

The Guardian

A bit bewildered by her question, I started to tell her "a Realtor " and she immediately asked, "so how much?" Taken aback (my Southern heritage would never have allowed me to ask such a question), I said, "750".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "allow me to ask" to politely introduce a question, especially in formal or semi-formal settings, to show respect for the person you are addressing.

Common error

Avoid using "allow me to ask" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "can I ask" or "may I ask" are often more appropriate and sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow me to ask" functions as a polite introductory expression. It prefaces a question or request, softening the directness and showing deference. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is a correct and frequently used way of framing a request.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "allow me to ask" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to introduce a question or request with politeness and formality. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While suitable for various settings, it's particularly fitting in professional, academic, or news contexts. Alternatives like "may I ask" or "if I may ask" offer similar levels of courtesy, while "let me ask" is more casual. Remember to reserve "allow me to ask" for scenarios where a touch of formality enhances your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may I ask

Replaces "allow me" with a more direct expression of permission, maintaining the same level of formality.

if I may ask

Introduces a conditional element, softening the request and making it more polite.

permit me to inquire

Substitutes "ask" with "inquire" and "allow" with "permit", increasing the formality of the request.

would you mind if I ask

Framing the question as a request for consideration, adding a layer of politeness.

could I pose a question

Replaces "ask" with "pose a question", making the request sound more thoughtful and considered.

is it alright if I ask

Seeking explicit permission before asking, emphasizing politeness.

let me ask you this

Shifts the focus to the speaker's intention to ask a question, creating a slightly less formal tone.

might I inquire

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of asking for permission to ask.

I'd like to ask

A straightforward statement of intent to ask a question, slightly less formal than the original.

can I put a question to you

Uses the idiom "put a question to you", which is a slightly more roundabout way of asking a question.

FAQs

How can I use "allow me to ask" in a sentence?

"Allow me to ask" is typically used to politely introduce a question. For example, "Allow me to ask, what are your plans for the future?" It adds a formal touch to your inquiry.

What's the difference between "allow me to ask" and "may I ask"?

While both phrases are polite ways to introduce a question, "allow me to ask" is slightly more formal than "may I ask". The latter is suitable for most situations, while the former is best reserved for formal contexts.

Which is correct, "allow me to ask" or "let me ask"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different tones. "Allow me to ask" is more formal and polite, while "let me ask" is more casual. The choice depends on the context and your relationship with the person you're addressing.

What are some alternative phrases to "allow me to ask"?

Alternatives include "if I may ask", "permit me to inquire", or simply "may I ask". The best choice depends on the level of formality and politeness you wish to convey.