it may please

USAGE SUMMARY

"it may please" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to express a hope or a polite request. Example: "It may please the court to take into consideration the defendant's difficult upbringing before passing judgment." In this example, the phrase "it may please" is used to politely request the court's consideration for the defendant's upbringing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It may please some of the purists as it looks purer, but the banks may become addicted," Mr. Mayer said.

The New York Times

IF Mrs. Whitman secretly harbors any regrets about having left Trenton, it may please her to know that some of her former Republican colleagues in the State House are beginning to rue the day she left.

The New York Times

But English notes will still be bigger than notes issued by Johnny Foreigner It may please Brexiters that English notes, although shrinking, will remain slightly larger than euro notes.

The Guardian - Money

For those of you who think that we dreaded baby boomers are to blame for all the suffering of the young, it may please you to know that many of us are also having a tough time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It may please many if the Lords block religious incitement and 90-day detention of terror suspects or overturn the new licensing laws, but it is not constitutionally acceptable to have the Commons constantly overruled by the Lords.

The Guardian

The broadest of the excluded categories is that of unblushingly commercial and harmlessly transient writing, including comic books, much of which, though it may please young readers, and often for good reasons, is for the purposes of this article notable only for its sociohistorical, rather than literary, importance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Mr. Dyer, if I may: please try again — but this time with Murakami's fiction.

The New Yorker

Great art may please; it may also move, shock, challenge, or change the lives of those who experience it deeply.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although the move may please many, it is has caused controversy with some as it effectively makes their virtual possessions worthless outside the game's horror-themed fantasy environment.

BBC

That may please voters, but it strikes civil libertarians as hypocritical.

Huffington Post

Engaging like-minded people or preaching to the converted may please the sceptics but it yields few results beyond that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for brevity, consider simpler alternatives like "it might help" or "it could benefit" if the nuance of politeness isn't crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "it may please" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or even pretentious. Opt for more natural expressions like "they might like it" or "it could be good".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may please" primarily functions as a polite expression of suggestion or hope, often used in formal settings. It serves to introduce a request or a potential action that could be agreeable to the recipient, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples in legal and formal contexts. The AI confirms its common use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

8%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it may please" is a formal phrase used to politely suggest something or express a hope that something will be well-received, particularly in official or respectful contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common use in written English, especially in legal, academic, and formal settings. When considering alternative phrases, the degree of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey should guide your choice. Avoid using it in informal settings, where it may sound unnatural. Remember that while grammatically correct, its formality limits its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might satisfy

Replaces 'please' with 'satisfy', emphasizing contentment rather than mere agreement.

it could gratify

Substitutes 'please' with 'gratify', highlighting a stronger sense of satisfaction or delight.

it might appease

Replaces 'please' with 'appease', suggesting a calming or pacifying effect.

it may delight

Changes 'please' to 'delight', indicating a stronger positive reaction.

it could suit

Emphasizes the appropriateness or fitting nature of something, rather than direct pleasure.

it might benefit

Focuses on the advantageous aspect of something, rather than its pleasing quality.

it may be agreeable to

Replaces 'please' with a more verbose phrase, emphasizing consent and compatibility.

it may find favor with

Shifts the focus to gaining approval or acceptance from someone.

it may be welcome to

Suggests that something will be received positively by someone.

it might be acceptable to

Indicates something is likely to be agreed upon, prioritizing acceptance over pleasure.

FAQs

How can I use "it may please" in a sentence?

Use "it may please" to politely suggest something or express a hope that something will be well-received, particularly in formal settings. For example, "It may please the court to consider this new evidence".

What can I say instead of "it may please"?

You can use alternatives like "it might satisfy", "it could suit", or "it might benefit" depending on the context.

In what kind of writing should I use "it may please"?

"It may please" is best suited for formal writing, such as legal documents, official correspondence, or academic papers where a tone of respect and deference is required.

Is "it may please" considered formal?

Yes, "it may please" is a formal expression. Using it in casual settings can sound overly stiff or unnatural. Consider using more relaxed alternatives in informal contexts.