may I introduce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may I introduce" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when you want to formally present someone to another person or group. Example: "May I introduce our guest speaker for today, Dr. Smith, who will be discussing the latest advancements in renewable energy?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The waiters do the tiresomely chummy "and may I introduce to you the specials" thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For those of you who have not had the pleasure of working with him or who have never met him, may I introduce Elmer Bernstein.

The Guardian - Film

My first book was called "Saturday Night in America" until the person designing the cover thought it would look better with fewer words; ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce you to my first book, "Saturday Night".

The New Yorker

May I introduce you?

Huffington Post

May I introduce to you: The "boyf".

Huffington Post

May I introduce you to the fun folks of subreddit Emu War Flashback?

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

May I now introduce you to Sadhguru?

Huffington Post

I think I may introduce a running feature, maybe a sidebar, entitled "Bastard animal of the week".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A DRIVE OR A WALK In the afternoon, we might get in the car and drive somewhere like the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, or I may introduce Vera to some neighborhood in New York — Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn, for example — and we'll walk around and maybe have a meal.

The New York Times

Depending on the age (concentration span) of the child, I may introduce these at the same time.

WikiHow

To address this problem, the concept of timer may be introduced, i.e., the activated IN at the predicted target location sets a timer.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may I introduce" when you want to formally present someone, ensuring you pronounce names clearly and provide a brief, relevant context for the introduction.

Common error

Avoid using "may I introduce" in very informal settings, as it can sound overly stiff. Opt for a more casual introduction like "This is..." or simply stating their names.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may I introduce" functions as an introducer, signaling the act of formally presenting someone or something to another person or group. Ludwig confirms its role in facilitating introductions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

18%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may I introduce" is a grammatically sound phrase used to formally present someone or something. As Ludwig AI suggests, its primary function is to initiate an acquaintance or highlight a new subject, with a usage that skews towards neutral formality and common presence in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "allow me to present" and "let me introduce" exist for different levels of formality, "may I introduce" is suitable for business and professional settings. Just avoid overusing it in very casual conversations where more relaxed phrasing would be appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

May I present

This alternative is a more direct way of offering an introduction.

Allow me to present

This alternative is a more formal way to introduce someone or something.

Let me introduce

This alternative is slightly less formal than the query and more direct.

I'd like to present

This alternative is less direct and more polite.

I'd like you to meet

This alternative shifts the focus to the interaction between the people being introduced.

I want to present

This alternative emphasizes the speaker's desire to introduce someone or something.

I'm pleased to introduce

This alternative conveys a feeling of satisfaction in making the introduction.

It is my pleasure to introduce

This alternative conveys a greater sense of honor and formality.

I have the honor of introducing

This alternative expresses a high level of respect and privilege.

Please welcome

This alternative invites the audience to greet the person being introduced.

FAQs

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

Use "may I introduce" to formally present someone. For example, "May I introduce our new team member, Sarah?" or "Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce the guest of honor."

What is a more casual alternative to "may I introduce"?

For less formal situations, you could use alternatives like "This is...", "I'd like you to meet...", or simply state the names. For example, “Hey John, this is Mary” is more casual than using "May I introduce".

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

It's appropriate in formal settings, such as business meetings, formal events, or when introducing someone to a person of authority or higher status. Consider the context and your relationship with the people involved.

What's the difference between "may I introduce" and "allow me to present"?

"May I introduce" is a polite way to ask permission to introduce someone, while "allow me to present" is a more direct statement of intent. The difference is subtle, with "allow me to present" sounding slightly more authoritative or formal.