may I interject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may I interject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to politely interrupt or add a comment during a conversation or discussion. Example: "During the meeting, I raised my hand and said, 'May I interject to clarify my point?'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

LAUREN COLLINS: May I interject on the poultry front?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

RICHARD RUBACK: Or if I may interject, your boss's boss may take a disliking to your boss.

Harvard Business Review

And, if I may interject, if my inbox is any indication, I would say it's not unreasonable to expect that number to be higher.

TechCrunch

'...Real?' I interject.

The Guardian - Film

"Yes," I interject.

The Guardian - Books

I interject a second time.

The Guardian

not right now," I interject.

Huffington Post

"That was Thelma," I interject.

Huffington Post

"You know guys," I interject.

Vice

(UNKNOWN): If I may interject, judge, they find you difficult and challenging more than your colleagues.

The Washington Post

If I may interject again, let me point out what the burqa truthfully represents: respect.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may I interject" to politely introduce a comment or clarification during a formal discussion or meeting. It shows respect for the current speaker while signaling your intention to contribute.

Common error

Avoid using "may I interject" in casual conversations with close friends or family. It can sound overly formal and stilted, making the interaction feel unnatural. Simpler phrases like "can I add something" or "but" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may I interject" functions as a polite interrogative phrase used to request permission to speak or add a comment during a conversation. It's a way to signal respect for the current speaker while indicating one's intention to contribute. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may I interject" is a grammatically sound and polite way to seek permission to speak during a conversation or discussion. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and can be used when someone wants to politely interrupt or add a comment. While it's most appropriate for formal and professional contexts, it can be overly formal in casual settings. Consider using alternatives like "may I add something" or "may I interrupt" based on the situation. The phrase is more commonly found in news media, business, and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may I add something

Replaces "interject" with a more general term for adding information.

may I interrupt

Directly asks for permission to interrupt, being more straightforward.

may I chime in

Uses a more informal verb, "chime", suggesting a brief and lighthearted interjection.

could I add to that

Indicates a desire to build upon a previous point.

can I say something here

A more casual way to ask for permission to speak.

may I offer a comment

Specifically offers a comment, rather than a general interjection.

may I share my thoughts

Specifically asks to share one's own thoughts or opinions.

can I jump in here

Suggests a quick and possibly less formal interjection.

if I may

A shortened, more polite way of asking to interject, implying deference.

if you don't mind me saying

A more elaborate and cautious way of interjecting an opinion.

FAQs

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

You can use "may I interject" when you want to politely interrupt or add a comment during a conversation or discussion. For example, "During the meeting, I raised my hand and said, 'May I interject to clarify my point?'"

What are some alternatives to "may I interject"?

You can use alternatives like "may I add something", "may I interrupt", or "can I say something here" depending on the context.

Is "may I interject" too formal for casual conversations?

Yes, "may I interject" can sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using more relaxed phrases like "can I jump in here" or "can I say something here".

What is the difference between "may I interject" and "may I interrupt"?

"May I interject" implies adding something relevant to the current discussion, while "may I interrupt" is a more general request to briefly stop the speaker. Both phrases are polite, but "may I interject" is more specific to contributing content.