let me speak

USAGE SUMMARY

"let me speak" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in various situations, such as in a conversation or a formal speech, to politely request someone to allow you to express your opinion or ideas. Example: During the meeting, Mary couldn't get a word in as her colleague kept talking. Finally, she raised her hand and said, "Excuse me, let me speak for a moment. I have a different perspective on this issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Let me speak"… "No!

The Guardian

So first, let me speak".

The New York Times

"Let me speak to Mr. Big".

The New York Times

Hold on a second, let me speak".

The New York Times

"Let me speak to your supervisor".

The New York Times

MR. BUSH: Let me speak to that.

The New York Times

"Let me speak to Sergeant Wright".

The New Yorker

"Let me speak to you mother".

The New York Times

But Price would not let me speak.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Let me speak frankly," she said.

The New Yorker

"Let me speak very clearly," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let me speak" to politely request a turn to talk, especially when others are dominating the conversation or in a formal setting where taking turns is expected.

Common error

While "let me speak" is grammatically sound, overuse in casual conversations can sound overly formal or demanding. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "can I add something?" or "can I get a word in?" to sound more approachable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let me speak" functions primarily as a request or plea for permission to express one's thoughts or opinions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Examples show it used when someone is being interrupted or needs to contribute to a discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "let me speak" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to request an opportunity to talk. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most commonly in news, business, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it can lean towards formal. To avoid sounding demanding, especially in casual situations, consider alternatives like "can I add something?" or "can I get a word in?". The phrase functions as a direct plea to be heard and asserts one's right to participate in a conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow me to talk

Replaces "speak" with "talk", a slightly more informal synonym, while maintaining the request for permission.

permit me to say something

Uses more formal vocabulary like "permit" and specifies the intent to "say something".

may I have a word

A polite inquiry for a brief opportunity to speak.

could I add something

Asks to contribute to an ongoing conversation.

I would like to say something

Expresses a desire to speak without explicitly requesting permission.

if I could interject

Offers a way to politely interrupt and share a thought.

can I get a word in

An informal way of asking for an opportunity to speak, often used when it's difficult to get a turn.

hear me out

Implies a request for someone to listen without interruption, differing slightly from the request to speak.

I'd like to express my views

Focuses on sharing personal opinions or perspectives.

give me the floor

Requests control of the speaking opportunity, often used in more formal settings.

FAQs

How can I use "let me speak" in a sentence?

You can use "let me speak" to politely request an opportunity to express yourself. For example, "I understand your point, but "let me speak", and then you can decide if you agree."

What's a more informal alternative to "let me speak"?

In a casual setting, you might say "can I chime in?" or "can I add something?" These options sound less formal than "let me speak".

Is it rude to say "let me speak"?

It's not inherently rude, but the tone and context matter. Saying it assertively can seem demanding. A more polite phrasing might be "may I speak?" or "could I say something?"

What's the difference between "let me speak" and "hear me out"?

"Let me speak" requests an opportunity to talk, while "hear me out" asks someone to listen to your full explanation without interrupting. "Hear me out" implies you already have the floor but need uninterrupted listening.