may I share

USAGE SUMMARY

"may I share" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone's permission to share something with them, such as an idea or a piece of information. For example, "May I share my thoughts on how we can improve our sales process?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

May I share a personal empanada reverie?

The New York Times - Food

But I'm not in A.A. and have not sworn to protect anyone's anonymity, so may I share this celebrity gossip with others?

The New York Times - Magazine

May I share a bit?

Huffington Post

May I share with you my short list of things in life that inspire me?

Huffington Post

In closing, may I share with you the insights of Jesus from the first century?

Huffington Post

(Actually I have too much - I doubt I will need any needles and thread!) May I share your post on my blog?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Enormously fat he may be, but I share the Australian poet Les Murray's 'Dream of Wearing Shorts Forever.' As more and more of my contemporaries are starting - how to put this tactfully?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And to be honest, I worry that many of the M4A advocates — whose basic principles I share — may not fully appreciate what they're going to be up against.

The Washington Post

Then I realized, as selfish as it may sound: why should I share my life with anyone?

Huffington Post

"I may be old-fashioned, but I share the view of the last but one Speaker of the House of Commons, Speaker Boothroyd, who…said that when she saw her checkout girl at Tesco's breastfeeding, she would allow it".

Independent

I may share my holiday "traditions," but I may not say that Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God and that this is a miracle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may I share" when you want to politely ask for permission to contribute something, whether it's an idea, information, or personal experience. It's suitable for both formal and informal settings, making it a versatile choice.

Common error

While "can I share" is often used interchangeably with "may I share", remember that "may" is generally considered more grammatically correct when asking for permission. "Can" refers to ability, while "may" seeks consent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may I share" primarily functions as an interrogative construction used to politely request permission to offer information, ideas, or experiences. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a valid and accepted form of seeking consent before contributing to a conversation or presentation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may I share" is a grammatically sound interrogative phrase used to politely ask for permission to contribute information or ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and accepted form. While not the most frequent phrase, its usage is common in News & Media and Science contexts, demonstrating its versatility across different writing styles. When you wish to contribute to a discussion, consider using "may I share" to demonstrate politeness and consideration for your audience. Remember that choosing "may" over "can" adds a touch of formality, making it suitable for more professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can I share

Less formal alternative; implies a slightly more casual context.

could I share

More polite alternative that implies a slightly more formal request.

is it okay if I share

A more direct and informal alternative that seeks explicit permission.

do you mind if I share

Asks directly if the listener objects to the speaker sharing something.

would you mind if I share

A more cautious and polite alternative that emphasizes consideration for the other person's preferences.

may I contribute

Focuses on adding to the conversation, not just sharing something pre-formed.

may I offer

Emphasizes the act of providing something helpful or useful.

might I add

A more sophisticated way of asking to include additional information.

allow me to share

More assertive; slightly less focused on seeking permission and more on informing of intent.

let me share

Informal and direct, implying a willingness to share information.

FAQs

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

Use "may I share" when you want to politely request permission to contribute information or an idea. It's suitable for various settings, including formal discussions and casual conversations.

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

While both phrases are used to ask for permission, "may I share" is more grammatically correct and formal. "Can I share" focuses on ability, while "may I share" seeks consent.

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

You can use alternatives like "could I share", "is it okay if I share", or "do you mind if I share" depending on the context and level of formality.

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

You can use "may I share" followed by what you intend to share. For example, "May I share my thoughts on the project's direction?" or "May I share a personal anecdote about this topic?"