may I request

USAGE SUMMARY

'may I request' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you politely ask someone to do something, or when you ask for permission to do something. For example, "May I request a copy of the report?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

May I request an extension to the time I have to pay the deposit?

Columbia University

-- Mr. Chairman, may I request the opportunity to get instructions from the secretary of the army? A. You may.

The New York Times

By way of a fightback against this barbaric tide, may I request you find/invent some less violent verbs.

The Guardian - Sport

If I am invited to join the waitlist without an admissions interview, may I request an appointment to discuss my next steps?

Cornell University

In a soft voice, amplified by a microphone, he said, "A very warm special greeting from India," and, after a few remarks, added, "May I request all of you to stand, and just laugh with me".

The New Yorker

It's a contribution to the ratcheting up of executive pay across FTSE 100 companies … I really think the remuneration committee has let shareholders and UK plc down in agreeing this massive package for the CEO and may I request an apology from the remuneration committee?" Gould replied: "All decisions around Mr Lund's … package were made by the board as a whole.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

May I respectfully request that anyone who is truly spiritual, and who understands that all humans deserve love, begin to pray for the separation of church and hate?

Huffington Post

I may request a Swedish lesson over Skype.

The New York Times

I bumble, and she cuts me off: It turns out that the VIP Stereophonics tickets I requested may have given the game away.

Vice

I bumble and she cuts me off: turns out that the VIP Stereophonics tickets I requested may have given the game away.

Vice

Another day and I fear I may have requested a divorce".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may I request" in formal settings or when addressing someone of authority to show respect and politeness.

Common error

Avoid using "may I request" in casual conversations or with close friends, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "can I ask for" or "could I get".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may I request" functions as a polite interrogative phrase used to introduce a request. It seeks permission to make a request or implies a formal request. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may I request" is a polite and formal way to ask for something. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically correct and well-suited for professional, academic, or formal situations. While the phrase appears most frequently in academic and news contexts, it's important to consider the audience and setting to avoid sounding overly formal in casual situations. Alternatives such as "could I ask for" or "can I request" may be more appropriate in informal contexts. Ultimately, "may I request" is a useful tool for expressing requests with respect and deference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may I ask for

Uses "ask for" as a slightly less formal alternative to "request".

could I ask for

Replaces "request" with a more conversational phrase "ask for".

I would like to request

Adds a slightly more formal tone by using "I would like".

can I request

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct question.

I respectfully request

Emphasizes politeness and respect in the request.

is it possible to request

Shifts the focus to the possibility of making the request.

would it be possible to request

Adds a layer of formality and indirectness.

I'm asking if I could

Reformulates the request as a question about permission.

I'm wondering if I could request

Softens the request by expressing it as a thought.

I hope it's alright if I request

Expresses a hope for acceptance of the request.

FAQs

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

Use "may I request" when you want to politely ask for something, for example, "May I request a copy of the report?" or "May I request an extension on the deadline?"

What are some alternatives to "may I request"?

You can use alternatives like "could I ask for", "I would like to request", or "I respectfully request", depending on the context and level of formality.

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

It is appropriate to use "may I request" in formal settings, business correspondence, or when addressing someone in a position of authority. In more casual settings, less formal alternatives are often preferred.

Is "can I request" the same as "may I request"?

While both phrases are used to make a request, "may I request" is generally considered more polite and formal. "Can I request" is acceptable in less formal contexts, but "may I request" is better suited for professional or respectful communication.