may i come

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may I come" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to politely ask for permission to enter a place or join an activity. Example: "May I come to the meeting with you to discuss the project details?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

May I come in?' It hasn't happened very often, but it's unsettling".

The Guardian - Books

As for the second question, the complete question is this - "May I come on the set without disturbing anyone?

The Guardian - Film

(Excuse me, we've never met, but may I come in to photograph your bedroom and all of your belongings?) And that is where location agents come in.

The New York Times

Coming home late at night, she would sometimes knock at their door: "May I come in?" (The relationship would have ended anyway, Ms Nunez avers, but Sontag expedited its implosion).

The Economist

Her 1964 album, "May I Come In?" (Capitol), a straightforward pop collection, was her first to employ a full orchestra, but on subsequent albums she veered back into jazz and supper-club fare, mixing standards, jazz songs and witty novelties.

The New York Times - Arts

A beautiful and mysterious woman (weren't they all, between the wars?) suddenly asks him, with a strong note of desperation in her voice, "May I come home with you?" Apparently, in 1935, this was simply a request to sleep separately in whatever room was available, because of some kind of winds-of-war-related peril.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

So while I'm all for letting the tweets fall where they may, I've come to understand that just because a thought is tapped out on Twitter doesn't mean we shouldn't take it seriously.

The New York Times

Those who read Cockburn's review and don't know the facts may, I fear, come to have sympathy with those who hate Israel.

The New York Times

In the new normal of climate change investing, his radical approach to asset allocation may, I believe, come to be seen as common sense.

Forbes

She said, 'I may come.' I said, 'You need to come.' " The board did indeed censure Bruce, which Gandy said is one of the mildest forms of rebuke allowable under Robert's Rules of Order.

Los Angeles Times

I still find our role in Libya a positive example, though I recognize I may come to regret that view.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may i come", ensure the context requires a polite and formal tone. In informal settings, alternatives like "can i come" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "can i come" when seeking permission in formal situations. "May" is generally considered more polite and grammatically correct for requesting permission, while "can" refers to ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may i come" functions as an interrogative clause, specifically used to seek permission. Ludwig AI examples show it commonly introduces a request to enter a space or join an activity, emphasizing politeness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may i come" is a grammatically sound and polite way to request permission. Ludwig AI identifies it as generally correct and usable in a variety of contexts, though primarily encountered in news, academic and wiki articles. While "can I come" is often used interchangeably, "may I come" maintains a more formal tone, making it suitable for professional or respectful interactions. Remember to use this phrase when you wish to convey politeness and adhere to traditional grammatical conventions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would it be alright if i came

Presents a more conditional and polite inquiry.

is it okay if i come

Rephrases the request in a less formal way.

do you mind if i come

Asks about potential objections to the speaker's arrival.

am i allowed to come

Directly asks about permission.

can i join you

Offers a more general invitation request.

is it permissible for me to come

Utilizes more formal and legalistic language.

could i possibly come

Adds an element of uncertainty or hesitancy.

may i enter

Focuses specifically on entering a space.

is it alright for me to enter

A softer and more polite way to ask for permission to enter.

would you permit me to come

Uses a more formal and deferential tone.

FAQs

How to use "may i come" in a sentence?

Use "may i come" to politely ask for permission to enter a place or join an activity. For example, "May I come in?" is a polite way to ask if you can enter a room. Remember that "may" is generally more formal than "can".

What can I say instead of "may i come"?

You can use alternatives like "can I join", "is it okay if I come", or "am I allowed to come" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "may I come" formal or informal?

"May I come" is generally considered a polite and somewhat formal way to ask for permission. More informal alternatives include "can I come" or "is it okay if I come".

Which is correct, "may I come" or "can I come"?

Both "may I come" and "can I come" are grammatically correct, but "may I come" is traditionally considered more appropriate when asking for permission. "Can I come" is more commonly used to inquire about ability or possibility.