allow me to begin

USAGE SUMMARY

"allow me to begin" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a polite way to ask for permission or to introduce oneself before beginning a task or presentation. It can also be used in a figurative sense to start a conversation or discussion. Example: "Dear members of the board, may I ask that you allow me to begin with a brief overview of our company's financial performance?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Allow me to begin a new, important paragraph about that.

The Guardian - Books

Allow me to begin this playlist with a personal story.

The Guardian - Music

"So please allow me to begin my remarks this evening by reiterating how deeply I regret — and apologize for — the circumstances that led me to resign from the C.I.A. and caused such pain for my family, friends and supporters".

The New York Times

"So please allow me to begin my remarks this evening by reiterating how deeply I regret — and apologize for — the circumstances that led to my resignation from the C.I.A. that caused such pain for my family, friends and supporters".

The New York Times

Allow me to begin with a confession: I had no idea that Ed Begley Jr., an actor whose near constant presence on television doesn't swing his curriculum vitae easily into recollection, is at heart an impassioned conservationist.

The New York Times - Arts

Allow me to begin.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He explained, "God allowed me to begin my repentance in this way: when I lived in sin, seeing lepers was a very bitter experience for me.

The New Yorker

But it also allowed me to begin to understand how those around her, myself included, might have contributed to her fateful decision.

The New York Times - Health

This allowed me to begin with a high overview of the entire valley, with each of the garden's major features -- the Temple of Apollo, the Pantheon, the Palladian Bridge -- revealing itself in turn as I hiked down from the ridge.

The New York Times - Travel

Charitable service brought me an inner peace I'd never known, which eventually allowed me to begin a new journey entirely.

Huffington Post

Allow me to make a list, beginning in Italy: barbera, dolcetto, Valpolicella, Chianti, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, to name a few.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "allow me to begin" to politely introduce a new topic or transition in a presentation or formal speech to ensure a smooth and respectful flow.

Common error

Avoid using "allow me to begin" in casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "let me start" or "I'll begin".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow me to begin" functions as a polite introductory phrase. It is used to signal the start of a discourse, presentation, or action, often seeking implicit or explicit permission. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "allow me to begin" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is commonly used to politely introduce a statement or action, particularly in formal settings. While it is more frequent in contexts such as News & Media and Formal & Business, its overuse in informal situations should be avoided. The phrase functions as a polite introductory element, aiming to ensure a smooth transition and establish a respectful tone. Remember to consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let me start

Uses a more direct and less formal verb ("let") instead of "allow".

permit me to commence

Replaces "allow" with the more formal "permit" and "begin" with "commence", resulting in a more elevated tone.

let me initiate

Substitutes "begin" with "initiate", providing a slightly more formal and active sense.

if you'll indulge me, I'd like to start

Adds a polite and slightly deferential tone by asking for indulgence before beginning.

may I proceed

Asks for permission to continue or start, suitable for formal situations.

I'd like to begin

Expresses a desire to start, removing the need for permission from another party.

I shall commence

Uses more formal language to express the intention to begin.

let's get started

Suggests a more collaborative and informal start.

can I begin

Directly asks for permission to start.

I propose we begin

Suggests beginning something in a formal manner.

FAQs

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

"Allow me to begin" is often used to politely introduce a speech, presentation, or new topic. For example, "Allow me to begin by thanking you all for attending."

What phrases are similar to "allow me to begin"?

Similar phrases include "let me start", "may I begin", or "I'd like to begin". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is "allow me to begin" formal or informal?

"Allow me to begin" is generally considered a formal phrase. It's more appropriate for presentations, formal speeches, or written communication than for casual conversations.

Can I use "allow me to begin" in an email?

Yes, using "allow me to begin" in an email is appropriate, especially if you're introducing a new topic or providing a formal update. It helps to set a professional tone.