may I begin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may I begin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when seeking permission to start a task, presentation, or discussion. Example: "Before I dive into the main points of my presentation, may I begin with a brief overview of the topic?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

She wrote: "May I begin by assuring you that the government shares your concern to make certain that the tragic death of Mr Litvinenko is properly investigated.

The Guardian

May I begin by congratulating you on the honor of being chosen as the professional privy to the world's most beloved performer.

Huffington Post

Mr President, may I begin by thanking Members of this Parliament very much indeed for the questions that they have put and the comments that they have made.

EU Parlament

May I begin by saying in reply to Mr Rothley that indeed the Commission has reserved to itself the right to oppose the patent in a formal way.

EU Parlament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

From then on, try as I may, I began to become very cool toward her..

The New Yorker

From then on, try as I may, I began to become very cool toward her...

The New Yorker

May I suggest beginning by softly, gently and patiently forgiving yourself for EVERYTHING.

Huffington Post

This may be why I began to think of Cobb as Case while watching Inception.

Huffington Post

After dealing with the megadeath classroom and getting the room changed, it opened my eyes to how fragile these kids may be and I began to be concerned about certain situations that wouldn't be the end of the world, but are definitely not welcomed.

Huffington Post

"I may begin with one idea for an image but as I work toward it, the way in which I apply the medium may suggest something different and this is something I don't fight against.

Vice

I may begin to direct a movie for them over the summer and I just got a movie offer yesterday so just still looking, not quite sure what I'm going to do next.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may I begin" in formal settings such as presentations or meetings to politely seek permission to start.

Common error

Avoid using "may I begin" in very casual conversations. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "can I start?" or "should I begin?" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may I begin" functions as an interrogative expression used to politely request permission to initiate an action, start a speech, or commence a presentation. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may I begin" is a polite and formal way to request permission to start an activity or discussion. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. While appropriate in formal settings like presentations and meetings, it might sound stilted in casual conversations, where alternatives like "can I start" or "should I begin" are more fitting. The phrase is more frequent in news and science contexts. While authoritative sources utilize it, remember to consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use "may I begin".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Can I start?

This is a more informal way to ask for permission to begin.

May I proceed?

Similar in formality, but focuses on the action of proceeding rather than the start.

Is it okay if I begin?

This is a more explicit way to ask if starting is permissible.

Could I begin now?

This directly asks if the current time is appropriate to start.

Shall I commence?

This alternative uses a more formal and somewhat archaic verb.

Am I allowed to begin?

Focuses on whether there is permission to begin.

Would you mind if I started?

This is a polite way of seeking permission, showing consideration for the other person's preferences.

Should I get started?

Asks if it's the right time to start, implying readiness.

I would like to start

This is a polite statement of intent to start, seeking implicit agreement.

Where should I begin?

This implies starting the action or speech.

FAQs

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

"May I begin" is generally considered more formal and polite, asking for permission. "Can I begin" is more informal and inquires about the ability to start. In many contexts, they're interchangeable, but "may I begin" is preferable in formal settings.

What can I say instead of "may I begin"?

You can use alternatives like "can I start", "shall I commence", or "is it okay if I begin", depending on the context and level of formality.

How do I use "may I begin" in a sentence?

"May I begin" is typically used at the start of a sentence to request permission to start something. For example, "May I begin the presentation now?" or "May I begin with a brief introduction?"

When is it appropriate to use "may I begin"?

It's appropriate to use "may I begin" in formal situations, such as business meetings, academic presentations, or formal speeches, where politeness and respect are important.