may I continue

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'may I continue' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to ask for permission to continue speaking or performing a task. For example: I have been working on this report for two hours. May I continue or should I take a break?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"May I continue?" He snorted.

The New Yorker

PREMINGER (impatient to talk): May I continue?

The New Yorker

Justice Anstead, yes, may I continue?

The New York Times

May I continue to operate while the NPS reviews my application?

Cornell University

36 CFR § 9.53 - May I continue to operate while the NPS reviews my application?

Cornell University

"Long may I continue to play well and long may the team keep climbing the table.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

MORGEN: Pardon me, I had not-may I continue?

Yale University

The reasons for such Ka/Ks values < 1.0 may include: (i) continued purifying selection on the putative parent sequence; (ii) an original protein-coding phase for the present-day ΨE.

BMC Genomics

It's nice and long may it continue". "I'm loving it again.

BBC

"Everybody's in it together and long may it continue, I am really pleased with the way it's going at the moment".

BBC

And, come what may, I will continue to lead the government in the way I have".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may I continue" when seeking formal permission to proceed, such as in a presentation or legal setting. Consider using a less formal alternative like "can I continue?" in casual conversations.

Common error

Avoid using "can I continue?" in highly formal situations where "may I continue?" is more appropriate. While "can" indicates ability, "may" explicitly seeks permission.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may I continue" primarily functions as an interrogative clause used to seek permission. It's a polite way to ask if one is allowed to proceed with a task, speech, or action, aligning with Ludwig's examples of its use in both media and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

40%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may I continue" is a polite and formal way to request permission to proceed, predominantly used in News & Media and Academic settings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriate usage for seeking authorization. While alternatives like "can I continue?" exist, they lack the same level of formality. When in doubt, opt for "may I continue" in professional or formal contexts to convey respect and ensure smooth communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

May I proceed further?

This alternative adds emphasis to the act of moving forward.

Can I proceed?

This alternative is less formal than the original phrase.

Shall I continue?

Slightly more formal than the original, this phrase inquires about continuing.

Should I go on?

This alternative implies a question of whether it's appropriate to continue.

Can I go on with this?

Informal way of asking if continuing is okay.

Is it okay if I continue?

This alternative explicitly asks for permission, adding a layer of politeness.

Am I allowed to continue?

This alternative emphasizes permission, suggesting potential restrictions.

Would you like me to continue?

This alternative offers a choice to the listener, being more polite.

Do you want me to continue?

This alternative is a direct question asking if the listener wants the speaker to proceed.

Please, let me continue.

This turns the question into a polite request or plea.

FAQs

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

"May I continue?" asks for permission, while "can I continue?" inquires about ability. Use "may I continue" in formal settings and "can I continue" in informal ones.

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

It's appropriate in formal settings like presentations, meetings, or when addressing someone in authority, as it shows respect and seeks explicit permission to proceed.

What are some alternatives to "may I continue?"

Alternatives include "can I proceed", "shall I continue", or "should I go on", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "may I continue?" considered polite?

Yes, it's a polite and formal way of asking for permission to proceed. It demonstrates respect for the listener and acknowledges their authority to grant or deny that permission.