may I add

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may I add" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to introduce an additional point or comment in a conversation or text. Example: "The project is progressing well, and may I add that the team has been exceptionally dedicated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Work has not always been easy, nor has love, may I add".

The New York Times - Books

And may I add: being a female does not make me dumb!

The New Yorker

BEN PETIT Washington, Nov. 27, 2012 To the Editor: May I add a point to Warren E. Buffett's sensible advice?

The New York Times

"Following yeaterday's music-related shenanigans, may I add a shameless plug for my friends' band," asks Richard Burgess.

The Guardian - Sport

As a Briton going to shows on Broadway, may I add what a fun surprise it is to hear, in two different productions, the British glottal stop?

The New York Times - Arts

As a pollster, may I add one more thought to the very enjoyable Oct. 23 column by David Brooks, "Poll Addict Confesses"?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Lazear: Excuse me, may I just add to that?

Forbes

And if I may add it, I would advise continuing to support and trust The Guardian because the winner was chosen by authors, not editors.

The Guardian

(I may add that I do not speak from experience, being happily married!).

TechCrunch

But if I may add this: I'm pretty sure that at this point anyone who wanted a Wii already has one, whereas as plenty of people wanted a PS3 before but couldn't justify the $40 million it cost.

TechCrunch

If I may add a personal note: Though I have some administrative experience, I have not held a full-time administrative post.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may I add" to politely introduce additional information or a related point that enhances the current discussion or written piece. Ensure the added information is relevant to maintain coherence.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "may I add", as this can make your writing sound repetitive and interrupt the flow. Instead, vary your sentence structure using alternatives like "in addition" or "furthermore".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may I add" functions as an insertional phrase, used to politely introduce an additional comment or observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It allows the speaker or writer to seamlessly integrate extra details or insights into the current discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may I add" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to introduce additional information or insights. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in news articles and formal communications. While perfectly acceptable, remember to vary your phrasing to avoid repetition and maintain a natural flow in your writing. Alternatives include "in addition", "furthermore", and "I'd like to point out". By using "may I add" judiciously, you can enhance your communication while maintaining a polite and professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just to add to that

This phrase indicates a desire to build upon a previous statement with more details.

if I might include

This option maintains a polite tone while introducing supplementary information.

let me also mention

This alternative offers a slightly more direct way of introducing additional information.

in addition

A straightforward way to introduce extra information without specific emphasis.

I'd like to point out

This option highlights the speaker's intention to emphasize a specific detail.

it should also be noted

This provides a more formal tone, emphasizing the importance of the added information.

furthermore

Offers a slightly more formal approach, indicating that what follows strengthens the previous point.

allow me to contribute

This phrase suggests a desire to add valuable insight or perspective.

for the record

Used to ensure that a particular fact or opinion is formally noted.

by the way

This is a more casual way to insert an additional point, often slightly off-topic.

FAQs

How can I use "may I add" in a sentence?

"May I add" is typically used to introduce an additional point or comment. For example, "The presentation was well-received, and "may I add", the team worked tirelessly to prepare it."

What are some alternatives to "may I add"?

Alternatives include "in addition", "furthermore", "let me also mention", or "I'd like to point out". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "may I add" in formal writing?

Yes, "may I add" is suitable for formal writing as it maintains a polite and respectful tone. However, be mindful of overuse; vary your phrasing to maintain a professional and engaging style.

What's the difference between "may I add" and "can I add"?

"May I add" is generally considered more polite and formal than "can I add". While both are acceptable, "may I add" is often preferred in professional or academic settings, while "can I add" is common in informal conversations.