may I please

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may I please" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a polite request for permission or to ask for something. Example: "May I please have a moment of your time to discuss this matter?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

May I please just have this small while?

The New Yorker

May I please have your assurance that Ms. Alekhina will have access to vegan foods?

The New York Times

"May I please speak to Patrick?" There was an awkward silence.

The New York Times

If I "educate" my children by praying that they will one day get into Harvard, may I please have a subsidy from the Department of Education?

The Economist

"Phone conversations also don't start with 'hello, may I please speak to so-and-so,' anymore," said Mr. Rojas, editor of Engadget.com, a Web site of telecommunications technology.

The New York Times

This gritty genre realism is all very informative, you might say, but having traveled this far for a vacation, may I please have some restorative culture -- and perhaps some mindless fun?

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

May I ask, please, is this possible?" "I don't think so.

The New Yorker

May I ask, please … did you love it there?" "You should be doing your homework".

The New Yorker

When I crack my hip, Annabel says, "May I ask, please … doesn't that hurt?" "It helps me".

The New Yorker

And he concludes, "I may do what I please in private," adding, "but I must ring myself with a wall of propriety so high no one can see in".

The New York Times - Books

When I think about what my parents endured — the stares, the comments, the little things that really do take a toll — I am grateful for a society in which I may marry whomever I please and that decision is treated as mundane.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may I please" when seeking permission or making a polite request, especially in formal settings or when addressing someone of authority.

Common error

While "may I please" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can I" or "could I" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may I please" functions as a polite interrogative phrase used to request permission or make a courteous inquiry. As seen in Ludwig, it's a standard way to ask for something in a respectful manner.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may I please" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to politely seek permission or make a request. As Ludwig AI explains, its use indicates respect and is most appropriate in formal or neutral contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the setting and choose a register that matches the situation. While perfectly acceptable, alternatives like "could I please" or simply "can I" might be more suitable for casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could I possibly

Adds more emphasis on the possibility and politeness of the request.

would you mind if I

Asks about the other person's potential objection to the action.

I would be grateful if I could

Expresses gratitude in advance for the permission granted.

is it alright if I

Checks if the action is acceptable in the given situation.

if you don't mind, I'd like to

Indicates a preference while still being respectful of the other person's feelings.

I'd appreciate it if I could

Expresses appreciation for the opportunity to do something.

might I

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of asking for permission.

is it okay for me to

A direct and simple way to ask for permission.

I was wondering if I could

Introduces the request with a sense of hesitancy and politeness.

do you think I could

Seeks the other person's opinion before making the request.

FAQs

How do I use "may I please" in a sentence?

Use "may I please" when you want to make a polite request or ask for permission. For example, "May I please have a glass of water?" or "May I please be excused?"

What are some alternatives to "may I please"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "could I please", "would you mind if I", or simply "can I".

Is "may I please" too formal for casual settings?

While grammatically correct, "may I please" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using alternatives like "can I" or "could I" in those situations.

What's the difference between "may I" and "may I please"?

"May I" is already a polite way to ask for permission. Adding "please" enhances the politeness and emphasizes the request, making "may I please" suitable for more formal or respectful situations.