may I bring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may I bring" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to politely ask for permission to bring something or someone to a place or event. Example: "May I bring my friend to the party this weekend?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"May I bring to your attention my paper," the e-mail said.

The New Yorker

At the risk of seeming ungrateful, may I bring this blunder to the attention of the bearer?

The New York Times

"May I bring you a drink to go with those warm nuts, Mr. Sedaris?" the woman looking after me asked — this as the people in coach were still boarding.

The New Yorker

In his hand he held the manuscript, written in a notebook given to him by Viardot, with the words "May I bring you luck" written in her hand on the cover.

The Guardian - Books

"May I bring to your attention... .. View Article Starbucks and the Issue of White Space Seven Signs that Your Man's Masculinity Is Nontoxic John McCain, Honor, and Self-Reflection In the Trump Era, We Are Losing the Ability to Distinguish Reality from Vacuum Behind the Scenes of Harvey Weinstein's Arrest The Rage of the Incels Subscribe to The New Yorkerfor only $1 a week.Plus, get a free tote.

The New Yorker

Suggest something you would feel comfortable doing like "May I bring you dinner tomorrow night?" or "Could I take you out to Starbucks for a little break?" 6. "You should be over this by now".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Be that as it may, I can't bring myself to see them on their Rock or Bust tour, which kicks off its Australian leg in Sydney on Wednesday.

The Guardian - Music

That said, may I suggest you bring a pair of headphones?

TechCrunch

I do not want them to suffer from a disease that I may bring home from my workplace" and ".

BMC Nursing

"I may bring my Oscar to my meeting tomorrow at C.A.A.," he joked.

The New York Times

(I may bring her to watch the marchers near the Capitol steps, if she will learn to "sit-stay").

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may I bring", consider the formality of the situation. "May" is generally more formal than "can". In casual settings, "can I bring" is often acceptable.

Common error

Avoid using "can I bring" in highly formal situations where "may I bring" is more appropriate. While "can" is often used colloquially, "may" is the grammatically correct choice for requesting permission.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may I bring" functions as an interrogative expression used to politely request permission. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard way to ask if one is allowed to bring something or someone to a specific place or event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may I bring" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for politely requesting permission to bring something or someone. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, with a slight inclination towards formal and professional settings. While "can I bring" serves as a more informal alternative, "may I bring" remains the preferred choice in situations where politeness and grammatical correctness are paramount. Remember to consider your audience and the context when choosing between "may" and "can" to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can I bring

More informal alternative, using "can" instead of "may".

could I bring

Polite alternative, similar to "may I bring".

am I allowed to bring

Directly asks for permission, slightly less polite.

is it okay if I bring

Informal way of asking for permission.

would it be alright if I bring

More formal and polite way of asking for permission.

would you allow me to bring

Direct and formal request for permission.

might I bring

A more archaic and formal way to ask for permission.

do you mind if I bring

Asks about potential objections.

shall I bring

Suggests bringing something, seeking confirmation.

is it permissible for me to bring

Very formal and less common alternative.

FAQs

What is the difference between "may I bring" and "can I bring"?

While both phrases are used to ask for permission, "may I bring" is generally considered more formal and grammatically correct. "Can I bring" is more commonly used in informal settings.

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

You can use alternatives like "am I allowed to bring", "is it okay if I bring", or "could I bring" depending on the context.

How to use "may I bring" in a sentence?

You can use "may I bring" to politely request permission to bring something or someone. For example: "May I bring my friend to the party?" or "May I bring a dish to the potluck?"

Is "may I bring" appropriate for formal communication?

Yes, "may I bring" is suitable for formal communication as it is a polite and grammatically correct way to ask for permission.