allow me to quote

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow me to quote" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to formally introduce a quotation or a set of words by another person. For example, "Allow me to quote the great novelist John Steinbeck, who wrote 'A human being is a single being. Unique and unrepeatable.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Allow me to quote from my newspaper's ethics policy: "Gifts.

The New York Times

Allow me to quote my favorite moral philosopher, Karl Rove.

The New York Times

Allow me to quote from the song that Wednesday's New York Daily News called the Mets' anthem, "Who Let the Dogs Out?" Who let the dogs out?

The New York Times - Style

Allow me to quote Nietzsche (although I know that will be considered by some to be in bad taste): "As the circle of science grows larger, it touches paradox at more places".

The New York Times

Allow me to quote the great film-maker Ali Hatami: 'I don't just express my wishes; I make them come true.' People have to be like this in politics.

The Guardian

At the risk of being the old bat in the back, allow me to quote Faye Dunaway's character from Network: Look, all I'm saying is if you're going to hustle, at least do it right.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

That allows me to quote a line from an American stand-up I once heard, for which I have long been trying to find a home.

The Guardian

The executor of the Baldwin estate, the writer's sister Gloria, allowed me to quote from certain other unpublished or little-known writings, such as a precocious adolescent poem, "Black Girl Shouting", and his unproduced screenplay of Giovanni's Room.

The Guardian - Books

Brian (qua Clegg), who has allowed me to quote him, has a good point, but it misses the point I was making, which is essentially this: the attributes of any given species are not transferrable, because they cannot be fully appreciated by members of another species.

The Guardian

Demopoulos kindly allowed me to quote certain passages from that early draft in the footnotes to the present entry.

SEP

Mr. Band has graciously allowed me to quote from his address because his words have so much more meaning than mine ever could.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When following "allow me to quote" with a longer quote in written text, consider using a block quote to visually separate the speaker's words.

Common error

Avoid using "allow me to quote" in casual conversation. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in informal contexts; simpler phrases like "as they said" or nothing at all would work better.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow me to quote" functions as an introductory expression, setting the stage for a direct quotation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and serves to formally introduce another person's words. The expression signals that the speaker or writer is about to present the exact wording of someone else.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "allow me to quote" is a grammatically correct and relatively common introductory phrase used to signal the imminent presentation of a direct quotation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, though it's more prevalent in news, media, science, and formal settings. While useful for lending authority or credibility, remember that less formal alternatives like "let me quote" or "in the words of" might be more appropriate in casual conversation. Always consider your audience and context to avoid sounding overly pretentious. Understanding the nuances of this phrase helps writers and speakers communicate more effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let me quote

This is a more concise and slightly less formal way to introduce a quotation.

permit me to quote

This alternative is more formal and polite but carries the same meaning.

i'd like to quote

This expresses a desire to quote someone or something.

i want to quote

A more direct and less formal expression of the intention to quote.

if i may quote

This adds a conditional element, seeking permission to quote.

i refer to the words of

This phrase is less common and more elaborate, referring to someone's specific words.

to quote

A shorter, more abrupt way to introduce a quotation.

in the words of

Focuses on the quoted person's specific wording.

as someone once said

A more general way to introduce a quotation without specifically naming the source.

to paraphrase

Introduces a summary of someone's words rather than a direct quote.

FAQs

How to use "allow me to quote" in a sentence?

You can use "allow me to quote" to introduce a direct quotation. For example, "Allow me to quote Abraham Lincoln: 'Whatever you are, be a good one.'"

What can I say instead of "allow me to quote"?

You can use alternatives like "let me quote", "permit me to quote", or "I want to quote" depending on the context.

Is it pretentious to use "allow me to quote"?

While generally acceptable, "allow me to quote" might sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider the context and audience to avoid pretension.

What's the difference between "allow me to quote" and "in the words of"?

"Allow me to quote" is a direct invitation to consider the forthcoming words, whereas "in the words of" "in the words of" directly attributes the following text to a specific individual without explicitly seeking permission.