may be seated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be seated" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used in formal situations to indicate that the person speaking is giving permission for others to sit down. It is often used in instructions or announcements, particularly in public settings such as theaters, classrooms, or restaurants. For example, a teacher might say to their students, "Class, you may be seated now." This lets the students know that they can take their seats and the lesson is about to begin. In a formal event or ceremony, an announcer might say, "Ladies and gentlemen, you may now be seated." This indicates that the audience can take their seats and the event is about to start. Overall, "may be seated" is a polite and formal way to give permission for others to sit down.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

You may be seated.

The New York Times

And thank you, and you may be seated.

The New York Times

You may be seated on one of many tiny stools without backs.

The New York Times - Food

Though we may be seated up front, we still order the $5 economy-class snack boxes.

The New York Times

Please assist event volunteers by moving to the center of rows so all may be seated quickly.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This is known as motion sickness, which is caused by the brain mismatching messages: you may be seated and motionless, but the brain thinks you're on the move.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Samantha Cameron may well be seated between Kerry Katona and Pixie Geldof.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Roland Burris may yet be seated even though he was appointed by an arrested governor who seems to be saying bleep you to fellow Democrats.

The New York Times

You may now be seated.

Huffington Post

In a chaotic scene at the Capitol this morning, Roland Burris, appointed by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to fill President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat, had his credentials rejected by the secretary of the Senate, which means he may not be seated.

Huffington Post

If they don't, the firearm may not be seated in the holster securely enough, and this could pose a safety threat if not corrected.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be seated" in formal settings like ceremonies, performances, or presentations to indicate that attendees are allowed to sit.

Common error

Avoid using "may be seated" in casual situations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "sit down" or "take a seat" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be seated" functions as a directive or permission-granting expression. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it's commonly used to formally allow an audience or group to sit down, typically after a standing ceremony or performance. The modal verb 'may' indicates permission.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be seated" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to formally grant permission for people to sit. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its appropriateness in various formal contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Academia. The phrase serves as a polite directive, signaling the end of a standing period and inviting individuals to take their seats. While highly suitable for formal settings, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives in casual situations. Consider variations like "can sit down" or "please take your seats" depending on the desired level of formality. Key authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase in their reporting, further validating its widespread acceptance and usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you can now sit

Direct instruction to sit down.

can sit down

Less formal alternative using "can" instead of "may".

are allowed to sit

Similar to "are permitted to sit", but slightly less formal.

are permitted to sit

More formal and explicit expression of permission.

please take your seats

A polite directive to be seated.

you're welcome to sit

Offers an invitation or welcome to be seated.

feel free to sit

An informal way to suggest someone can sit.

one may sit

A more formal and impersonal phrasing.

it is permissible to sit

Highly formal and less common phrasing.

seats are available

Indicates the possibility of sitting due to available seating.

FAQs

How to use "may be seated" in a sentence?

You can use "may be seated" to formally allow people to sit, such as in the sentence, "Ladies and gentlemen, you may be seated".

What can I say instead of "may be seated"?

You can use alternatives like "can sit down", "are permitted to sit", or "please take your seats" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "may be seated" or "can be seated"?

"May be seated" is generally considered more formal and polite when granting permission, while "can be seated" is less formal and focuses on the ability to sit.

When is it appropriate to use "may be seated"?

It is appropriate to use "may be seated" in formal events, such as weddings, concerts, or conferences, when you want to formally invite or allow people to sit.