allow me to borrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow me to borrow" is correctly used in written English.
You can use it to ask permission to borrow something, such as a book or tool. For example, "Allow me to borrow your car so I can pick up some groceries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

My local Roto-Rooter was reluctant to allow me to borrow a shirt for some unauthorized use of the corporate logo.

The New York Times

Allow me to borrow a hilarious joke from Stewie Griffin (originally directed at Meg): In an attic somewhere, there's a portrait of Joe Lieberman getting prettier.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Thank you for allowing me to borrow her as my NY mom".

The New Yorker

I'm grateful to NewSouth Books for allowing me to borrow from those publications for my discussions on the Huffington Post.

Huffington Post

I'm grateful to University Press of America for allowing me to borrow from that publication for my discussions on Huffington Post.

Huffington Post

One of the most memorable lessons he taught me was when I was 12 and he allowed me to borrow money to invest in the stock market.

HuffPost

Their implicit government guarantees allow them to borrow cheaply.

The Economist

The motion proposes measures to allow councils to borrow more to build more homes.

The Guardian

One possibility is to allow it to borrow funds from the ECB.

The Economist

It could allow Italy to borrow by asking all its member nations to contribute.

The New York Times

The I.M.F.-led program will allow Turkey to borrow $15 billion from the fund and World Bank this year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allow me to borrow", ensure the context is polite and respectful, especially when addressing someone in a position of authority or someone you don't know well.

Common error

Avoid using "allow me to borrow" in very casual conversations with close friends; simpler phrases like "can I borrow" or "may I borrow" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow me to borrow" functions as a polite and formal request for permission. It is typically used when seeking authorization to use something that belongs to someone else, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "allow me to borrow" is a grammatically correct and polite phrase used to request permission to borrow something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While it's not as common as simpler alternatives like "can I borrow", it conveys respect and formality, making it suitable for professional or polite contexts. Its frequency is considered uncommon, and it appears in various contexts, including news, media, academia, science, and wiki sources. When asking someone you don't know well or someone in a position of authority, this phrase can be a good choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

May I borrow

More formal and direct question seeking permission to borrow.

Can I borrow

Less formal and more common way to ask for permission to borrow.

Could I possibly borrow

Adds a layer of politeness and tentativeness to the request.

Is it okay if I borrow

Seeks confirmation that borrowing is acceptable.

Would you mind if I borrowed

A polite way of asking, considering the other person's feelings.

I'd like to borrow

Expresses a desire to borrow, implying a request.

I was wondering if I could borrow

A more indirect and hesitant way to ask for something.

Might I borrow

A highly formal and somewhat archaic way of asking permission.

Do you mind lending me

Focuses on the act of lending rather than borrowing.

Let me borrow

More of a command, but can be softened by tone and context.

FAQs

What is the difference between "allow me to borrow" and "can I borrow"?

"Allow me to borrow" is a more formal request, implying you are seeking explicit permission. "Can I borrow" is less formal and more direct, suitable for casual situations.

When is it appropriate to use "allow me to borrow"?

Use "allow me to borrow" when you want to show respect or deference, especially when asking someone you don't know well or someone in a position of authority.

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

You can use alternatives like "may I borrow", "could I borrow", or "is it okay if I borrow" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "allow me to borrow" grammatically correct?

Yes, "allow me to borrow" is grammatically correct and follows standard English grammar rules.