beg leave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beg leave" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts to request permission to do something or to excuse oneself from a situation. Example: "I beg leave to address the committee regarding the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But pressed as to whether she would support a budget freeze, she added: "I beg leave to first discuss this with the prime minister.

The Guardian

The judge wrote: "The court, whose duty it is to secure an individual's liberty from unauthorized and illegal executive confinement, cannot now tell a prisoner that he must beg leave of the executive's grace before the court will involve itself.

The New York Times

It has been suggested to me by friends, on whose opinions I set a high value, that in this fictitious character, 'Childe Harold', I may incur the suspicion of having intended some real personage: this I beg leave, once for all, to disclaim – Harold is the child of imagination......

The Guardian - Books

"Please Mr Wang," we will beg, "leave us a memory of the Lariat, the bag that changed our lives".

Huffington Post

Arriving in Melbourne, Australia in October 1910, Scott received a telegram from Amundsen stating: "Beg leave to inform you Fram proceeding Antarctic Amundsen", possibly indicating that Scott faced a race to the pole.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Some begged leave to doubt it.

The Guardian - Music

Instead of answering, McClellan begged leave to submit a letter detailing his views, which he handed the president.

The New York Times

Cimon presented himself to the Athenian generals and begged leave to fight in the ranks but was refused.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Please, I beg you, leave us alone".

Los Angeles Times

The registry may relieve some of the pressure on parents inured to the traditional single-source approach to automotive funding, but will a departure from focused begging leave these automotive dreamers without wheels?

The New York Times

"They were almost begging criminals: 'Leave me alone,' " he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beg leave" primarily in formal or historical contexts where a heightened sense of politeness or deference is required. In modern communication, consider more direct alternatives like "request permission".

Common error

Avoid using "beg leave" in informal or contemporary settings, as it can sound overly formal or antiquated. Opt for simpler and more direct phrasing to maintain clear and effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beg leave" primarily functions as a performative verb construction used to express a formal request for permission or to politely excuse oneself. This is supported by examples in Ludwig where it is used in sentences like "I beg leave to first discuss this with the prime minister."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beg leave" is a formal expression used to request permission or to politely excuse oneself, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct, its usage is rare in modern contexts and is generally reserved for formal or historical settings. Alternative phrases such as "request permission" or "may I" are often more appropriate for contemporary communication. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use, though it is important to consider the context before employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Seek permission

This alternative maintains formality while using slightly more common vocabulary.

Request permission

This alternative is a more direct and modern way to ask for authorization.

I request

This is a simple and direct way to make a formal request.

I seek to

This emphasizes the act of seeking something, such as permission or opportunity.

Ask for permission

This option is less formal and more suitable for everyday communication.

Allow me to

This suggests offering assistance or asking permission to do something.

May I

This is a concise and polite way to request something or ask for leave.

Grant me the opportunity

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the importance of the permission being requested.

If you please

This alternative adds a touch of politeness or deference to a request.

Excuse me while I

This phrase is used to politely excuse oneself before doing something.

FAQs

How can I use "beg leave" in a sentence?

You can use "beg leave" to formally request permission or to politely excuse yourself. For example, "I "beg leave" to address the committee" or "I "beg leave" to withdraw from the discussion".

What phrases are similar to "beg leave"?

Alternatives include "request permission", "seek permission", or "ask for permission", which are all ways to politely ask for authorization to do something.

Is it appropriate to use "beg leave" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "beg leave" is quite formal and not commonly used in everyday conversation. It's more suited for formal settings or historical contexts. In everyday conversation, using "May I" or "Can I" is more appropriate.

What is the difference between "beg leave" and "ask for permission"?

"Beg leave" is a more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "ask for permission". The latter is a more direct and commonly used phrase in modern English.