if you'll allow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if you'll allow" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to seek permission or to introduce a suggestion or idea in a polite manner. Example: "If you'll allow, I would like to propose a new strategy for our marketing campaign."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"If you'll allow me to — " Again he slapped me.

The New Yorker

Beauty offal, if you'll allow the disgusting image.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'd like to start - if you'll allow it - with a short story.

The Guardian - Music

So William, old son, if you'll allow me to paraphrase: whatever it takes, don't let the buggers close you down.

Independent

(Bashir's envoy in London contested his account: "If you'll allow me to speak undiplomatically, Hilu is an outright liar").

The New Yorker

If you'll allow me to blow my own trumpet for a moment, I'm pretty great at some aspects of parenting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

If you are an event organiser, decide in advance if you will allow tweeting.

The Guardian

Mephistopheles: Let's praise Satan instead / So if you will allow me / To introduce myself... Valentin: I have no sympathy / For the devil.

The Guardian - Music

In Certain Circles is a lost gem, if you will allow me to say that, and we would LOVE to publish it!" Harrower is experiencing her own "fairytale" moment, as she puts it.

The Guardian - Books

Whether laden with finds or empty-handed, you invariably drift to the cosmetics counter, where the makeup diva waits, eager not only to help you find the perfect lipstick for fall but also to reveal the secrets of beauty, if you will allow her to dab a little of this moisturizer on the back of your hand.

The New York Times - Magazine

Up to now, if you will allow me to say so, there's been nothing that touched on The Lost Daughter, its subject, or its writing.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if you'll allow" to introduce a potentially contentious statement or suggestion, softening the impact and showing respect for the listener's or reader's perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "if you'll allow" excessively in casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Opt for more direct phrasing in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if you'll allow" functions as a polite introductory phrase used to seek permission or introduce a suggestion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, as seen in the provided examples, where it prefaces various statements, from offering an opinion to making a suggestion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Tech

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Books

5%

Sport

5%

Opinion

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if you'll allow" is a versatile phrase used to politely introduce a statement or suggestion, seeking the listener's or reader's indulgence. As Ludwig AI points out, it is considered grammatically correct and is frequently encountered in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral to formal, overuse in casual settings should be avoided to prevent sounding overly stiff or sarcastic. Alternatives such as ""if you permit"" or ""may I suggest"" can be used for slight variations in formality or emphasis. The phrase's frequent appearance in reputable sources underscores its validity and widespread acceptance in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if you permit

More formal and direct, implying explicit permission is needed.

with your permission

Formal and emphasizes seeking approval.

would you permit me to

Formal and elaborates on the action.

may I suggest

Polite way to introduce a suggestion.

if I may

Short and polite way to ask for allowance to do something.

if you consent

Emphasizes formal agreement.

should you allow

Conditional and emphasizes the possibility of refusal.

if you're amenable

Focuses on the other person's willingness.

if it pleases you

Very formal and somewhat archaic.

if it's alright with you

Informal and checks for agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "if you'll allow" in a sentence?

Use "if you'll allow" to politely introduce a suggestion, request permission, or offer an opinion. For example, "If you'll allow, I'd like to offer a different perspective on this matter."

What are some alternatives to "if you'll allow"?

Alternatives include "if you permit", "with your permission", or "may I suggest" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "if you'll allow me to" more formal than "if you'll allow"?

Yes, "if you'll allow me to" is slightly more formal as it explicitly states that you are asking for permission to do something, while "if you'll allow" can sometimes be implied.

When is it inappropriate to use "if you'll allow"?

It might be inappropriate in very informal settings where a more direct approach is preferred, or when addressing someone in a position of significantly lower authority where such politeness could be perceived as condescending. In these cases, consider alternatives such as "Can I" or "May I" instead.