may I say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may I say" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express a polite request to share your opinion or statement. Example: "May I say that your presentation was exceptionally well done?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

May I say that?

The New Yorker

May I say something?

The New York Times

May I say something to him?

The New York Times

May I say this is not unusual?

The New Yorker

RYAN: May I say something, Captain?

The New Yorker

And may I say: girl's got back.

The New York Times

Try them and you may, I say".

The Guardian

In closing, may I say in my humble.

The New Yorker

May I say something to convey my irritation?

The New York Times

What may I say about avarice, robbery, violent judgments?

The Guardian

They did an excellent job, may I say so.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may I say" to introduce a point politely, especially when it might be controversial or unexpected. It softens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "may I say" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound overly cautious or verbose. Opt for more direct phrasing when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may I say" functions as an introductory expression, signaling a polite request or permission to express an opinion or make a statement. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples include "May I say that was exceptionally well done?"

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"May I say" is a versatile phrase used to politely introduce a statement or opinion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and it commonly appears in news and business contexts. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, overuse can make writing sound overly cautious, so use it judiciously. Alternatives include phrases like ""if I might add"" or ""can I just say"", depending on the specific context and desired tone. Its function is to convey politeness, making it particularly useful when broaching potentially sensitive topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if I might add

Implies adding an extra piece of information or opinion.

if I may interject

Used to politely interrupt or insert a comment into a conversation.

can I just say

A more direct way of introducing a statement, often used for emphasis.

let me just mention

Highlights that the speaker wants to bring something to attention.

permit me to observe

A more formal way to introduce an observation or comment.

allow me to point out

Used to emphasize a particular fact or detail.

I would like to mention

A polite way to introduce a relevant piece of information.

it is worth mentioning

Suggests that something is important to note.

I'd like to add that

Adds information relevant to the ongoing discourse.

it should be noted that

Highlights the relevance of including a specific detail or observation.

FAQs

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

Use "may I say" to politely introduce an opinion or statement, like in the sentence, "May I say, this is an excellent proposal?"

What are some alternatives to "may I say"?

Alternatives include "if I might add", "can I just say", or "let me just mention", depending on the context.

Is "may I say" formal or informal?

"May I say" is generally considered polite and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans towards a more formal tone.

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

It's appropriate to use "may I say" when you want to introduce a comment or opinion in a polite and non-assertive manner, especially if the statement might be unexpected or controversial. Otherwise you can use alternatives that don't need an additional question/permission to speak or express your opinion.