may I present

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may I present" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when introducing someone, such as a guest speaker or a new employee, or when introducing a new idea or product. For example: "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Mr. John Smith, the newest member of our team." or "Today, I'd like to introduce a new product line. May I present the ZX5000 series!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Today, may I present soap cutting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

May I present Venus and Juno?

The New York Times - Arts

May I present still another side gained from over 30 years in public relations?

The New York Times

Ladies and gentleman, may I present The Hobbit? Alas, I tanked playing The Hobbit and got completely schooled on Frogger.

Princeton University

– Glenn Collins LA Weekly: For your summer weekend drinking pleasure, may I present the Americano, courtesy of Patrick Comiskey.

The New York Times

Thanking you for your patience, ladies and gentlemen, may I present for your education and edification, "Cornish Monkfish tail, Cassoulet of Paimpol Beans, Shallot Purée and... .. - wait for it, now, wait for it - "Emulsion of Douglas Firs".

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

If I may, I presented on the last of these three, based on research CEB did in the past 18 months.

Forbes

May I still present such YSS courses for reinstatement purposes?

Yale University

(Coming up: a version of "Little Women" that explores Jo as a nonbinary character, though Hamill may cede the role, "because I present very much as a cisgender woman").

The New Yorker

The specific results of the case study I present here may not be transferable across different contexts.

F1000Research

I've added the following new text to the Discussion to make this clearer (second to last paragraph): "The specific results of the case study I present here may not be transferable across different contexts.

F1000Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may I present" to formally introduce a person, idea, or object, creating a sense of anticipation and importance.

Common error

Avoid using "may I present" in casual conversations or informal emails; it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler introductions like "This is..." or "I'd like you to meet..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may I present" functions primarily as an introductory expression. It's a polite and somewhat formal way to introduce a person, object, or idea to an audience or individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a common introductory formula in both speech and writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

27%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may I present" is a versatile phrase used to formally introduce people, objects, or ideas. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is most frequently found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, suggesting a formal or professional register. When choosing an alternative, consider the level of formality required; options like "allow me to introduce" offer a similar level of formality, while phrases like "here is" are better suited for informal situations. Remember to avoid overuse in casual settings to prevent sounding stilted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Allow me to introduce

More formal alternative, placing emphasis on the speaker's action of introducing.

Let me introduce

Less formal alternative to "allow me to introduce", but still emphasizes the speaker's role.

I'd like to present

Similar in meaning but slightly less formal, directly stating the intention.

I'd like you to meet

Specifically used when introducing people, focusing on the meeting aspect.

I present to you

More dramatic or theatrical phrasing, suitable for formal occasions.

Permit me to present

Highly formal and somewhat archaic alternative, emphasizing courtesy.

It gives me great pleasure to introduce

Expresses enthusiasm in addition to the introduction.

I have the honor of presenting

Implies a sense of privilege or importance in the introduction.

Here is

Informal way of showing something; can be used when physically handing over an item.

Introducing

A very concise way of introducing something, often used in marketing or announcements.

FAQs

How to use "may I present" in a sentence?

"May I present" is typically used to formally introduce a person, object, or idea. For example, "Ladies and gentlemen, "may I present" our keynote speaker." or "May I present our new product line?"

What can I say instead of "may I present"?

You can use alternatives like "allow me to introduce", "let me introduce", or "I'd like to present" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "may I present" suitable for informal situations?

While grammatically correct, "may I present" is generally considered formal and is best reserved for situations where a degree of ceremony or respect is desired. In informal contexts, simpler phrases are more appropriate.

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

Both phrases are used for introductions, but "may I present" can be used for introducing objects or ideas in addition to people, while "may I introduce" is typically reserved for people. The phrase "may I introduce" is typically used only when introducing people.