may I propose

USAGE SUMMARY

'May I propose' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to make a suggestion, usually followed by an idea or recommendation. For example, "May I propose that we try increasing our marketing budget?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

§ 3250.14 What types of operations may I propose in my application to conduct exploration?

Cornell University

May I propose, then, that Democrats go with a storied name, such as Rep. Joe Kennedy (Mass). or Gov. Andrew Cuomo (N.Y .?

The Washington Post

"And the letter says, 'Professor Shechtman, may I propose to you to write the joint Shechtman-Pauling paper on quasi-periodic materials?

The Guardian

Following Giles Fraser's excellent article (Money is the only God Tories want us to worship on a Sunday, 11 July), may I propose that we now rebrand as Sunday as "a day of contentment".

The Guardian - Film

May I propose an objective experiment to verify my claims?' 'What do you have in mind?' 'Belgium.' 'Belgium?' 'I don't suppose even the Belgians would miss it, do you?' My father says nothing.

The Guardian - Books

"May I propose a Herzog dictum?" he asks at one point.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Joel Conarroe New York, Nov. 4, 2007 To the Editor: As the battle intensifies over the proper use of cellphones in public spaces, short of legalizing the jammer, which may take some time, I propose that train conductors be empowered to issue a summons to the blabber-mouths.

The New York Times

But at doses used in the clinical setting the classification I propose may represent actual differences between the different PIs.

F1000Research

COLONEL JOHN HARLAN AMEN (Associate Trial Counsel for the United States): May it please the Tribunal, I propose to call as the first witness for the Prosecution, Major General Erwin Lahousen.

Yale University

I propose a solution that may appear radical.

The New York Times

If they announce a sequel may I propose Another Minit?—I'll be there with bells on.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "may I propose" with a clear and concise statement of your suggestion to ensure your intent is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "may I propose" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I suggest" or "how about" in these situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may I propose" functions as a polite and formal way to introduce a suggestion, idea, or recommendation. As shown in Ludwig, it is used to respectfully present a proposal for consideration. It seeks permission to offer a suggestion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may I propose" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to introduce a suggestion or idea in a polite and formal manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including academic, news, and professional settings. While versatile, remember to consider your audience and choose simpler alternatives in informal settings. The phrase is frequently found in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, reflecting its acceptance in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let me propose

A more direct and slightly less formal way of offering a proposal.

might I suggest

Similar in intent, but uses "might" offering a slightly more tentative suggestion.

I would like to suggest

A polite and relatively formal way to introduce a suggestion.

could I recommend

Focuses on recommending something specifically, often used when suggesting a particular option from several choices.

I suggest

A straightforward and common way to offer a suggestion, less formal than the original phrase.

how about we

Suggests a course of action in a more casual and conversational manner.

what if we

Proposes an idea as a hypothetical scenario to consider.

I have a proposition

Introduces a formal proposal, often implying a more significant or structured suggestion.

I put forward the idea

Highlights the act of presenting an idea for consideration, often in a discussion or debate.

consider this

A direct and concise way to introduce an idea or suggestion for evaluation.

FAQs

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

Use "may I propose" to politely introduce a suggestion or idea. For example, "May I propose a new marketing strategy to increase sales?"

What is a less formal alternative to "may I propose"?

Alternatives include "I suggest", "how about", or "let's", depending on the context.

Is "may I propose" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "may I propose" is appropriate for academic writing when offering a suggestion or hypothesis, as it maintains a formal and respectful tone.

What's the difference between "may I propose" and "can I propose"?

"May I propose" is more formal and polite, while "can I propose" is more direct and informal. The choice depends on the audience and context.