may I identify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may I identify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking for permission to identify something or someone, often in a formal context. Example: "May I identify the key issues that need to be addressed in this report?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Following diagnostic testing, patients may be (i) identified as TB positive (i.e. true positive diagnosis) and referred for treatment (DOTS treatment and Non-DOTS treatment), (ii) identified as TB negative (i.e. false negative diagnosis) but require additional testing, or (iii) identified as TB negative with a move back to the Not seeking care compartment, i.e. drop-out.

BMC Infectious Diseases

While I am taking a photograph, I may identify, seek to embed a discerned symbol or metaphor.

Huffington Post

I may identify with the experience so deeply that I live it in the other.

SEP

You may have noticed that I identified Wright as a "Republican media personality," not a "conservative".

Huffington Post

While I may never identify him as a feminist, here are a few adjectives I could use to describe him that manage to offset the absence of this moniker: loving, caring, respectful, honest, loyal, communicative, romantic.

Huffington Post

Second, IFN-I activation may identify a subset of SLE patients with potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic implications.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Electrophoretic analysis of type I procollagen may also identify other disorders that can mimic some aspects of OI: EDS kyphoscoliotic type (type VIA), EDS arthrochalasia type (types VIIA and VIIB) and EDS dermatosparaxis type (type VIIC).

European Journal of Human Genetics

As such, the Accession I dataset may identify genetic variance in gibberellic acid associated with flowering time, a trait for which variation is likely under selection [65] [67].

Plosone

Two major technical limitations may be identified: (i) desiccation may occur and lead to stress, hampering studies over the course of several hours and (ii) it is impossible in this way to change the growth conditions by switching the medium composition and study the reversible effect of drugs.

Plosone

Thus, if sepsis criteria are developed without requiring SIRS variables, different risk categories within patient populations may be identified (i.e., reclassification).

Critical Care

Other studies have reported that molecular screening analyses (MSI and IHC) may identify CRC patients as being associated with LS, despite the failure of the AM II criteria to identify these patients (Hampel et al, 2005).

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may I identify" in formal settings when seeking permission to point something specific out or to determine a particular aspect within a discussion or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "may I identify" in informal conversations; it can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can I identify" or "should I point out" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may I identify" functions as a polite interrogative, seeking permission to specify or determine a particular element within a given context. While Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically correct, its usage leans towards formal scenarios.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may I identify" is a grammatically correct interrogative used to seek permission before specifying or determining something within a discussion or analysis. According to Ludwig, it's appropriate in formal and professional settings. While it is less common in informal settings, its formal tone provides a polite and respectful way to contribute to a conversation or analysis by pinpointing specific details. Given its function and register, considering alternative, less formal phrases like "can I identify" may be more appropriate for casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can I identify

Replaces the more formal "may" with the more common "can", making the request slightly less formal.

may I specify

Replaces "identify" with "specify", focusing on providing detailed information.

am I allowed to identify

Emphasizes permission to identify, focusing on whether identification is permitted.

am I able to determine

Highlights the ability to determine something, not just the permission.

is it okay if I identify

A more casual way of seeking permission to identify.

would it be permissible to identify

Introduces a higher degree of formality and politeness in seeking permission.

can I discern

Replaces "identify" with "discern", suggesting a careful act of distinguishing something.

could I point out

Shifts the focus to highlighting or noting something specific.

should I mention

Focuses on whether the speaker should bring something to attention.

might I determine

Uses "might" for a more tentative request to determine something.

FAQs

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

You can use "may I identify" when asking for permission to specify or point out something, like "May I identify the key issues we need to address?" or "May I identify the person responsible for this task?"

What's a less formal alternative to "may I identify"?

If you want to sound less formal, you can use phrases like "can I identify", "should I point out", or /s/am+I+allowed+to. These alternatives are more appropriate for casual conversations.

Is "may I identify" appropriate for business communication?

Yes, "may I identify" is suitable for business communication when you need to ask for permission to specify or determine something. However, consider the context and audience to ensure it doesn't sound too formal. If uncertain, /s/can+I+specify might be a safer choice.

How does "may I identify" differ from "can I identify"?

"May I identify" is generally considered more formal than "can I identify". "May" implies permission, while "can" implies ability. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but "may" adds a touch of politeness.