may i request

USAGE SUMMARY

"May I request" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is most commonly used when making a polite request or asking for permission. For example: "May I request a few minutes of your time to discuss this issue further?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

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

"Sir, may I make a special request?" "If I know it," he replies.

Huffington Post

Towards my mission as a health and wellness advocate, may I make a simple request?

Huffington Post

"Excuse me, Begum Sahib, may I trouble you with a small request?" "Of course," she said, touching him lightly on the shoulder.

The New Yorker

Mr President, may I once again emphasize the importance of this request by my Group.

EU Parlament

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and adjust the phrasing accordingly. In more casual settings, "can I request" or "could I ask" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "may i request" in very informal situations where it might sound overly formal or stilted. Simpler phrases like "can I" or "is it okay if I" are generally more suitable for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may i request" functions as a polite and formal way to make a request or seek permission. It is commonly used to soften the impact of a demand or inquiry, making it more considerate. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may i request" is a grammatically sound and polite phrase used to make requests or seek permission, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent application in formal settings such as academia, business, and news media. Remember to consider the context and your audience when deciding whether to use this phrase, as it may come across as overly formal in casual settings. Alternatives like "could I ask" or "can I request" may be more appropriate in those situations. Ludwig examples reflect that. Using "may I request" ensures your communication remains respectful and considerate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could i ask

Uses "could" instead of "may", indicating a slightly less formal tone.

can i request

Replaces "may" with "can", making the request slightly less formal.

might i ask

Uses "might" instead of "may", suggesting a slightly more tentative or hesitant tone.

i would like to request

A more direct statement of desire, while still maintaining politeness through the use of "would like".

i was wondering if i could request

Introduces the request with a preface, making it sound less demanding.

i'm hoping to request

Expresses a desire or anticipation for the request to be fulfilled.

would you mind if i asked

More indirect and polite, phrasing the request as a question of whether it would inconvenience the listener.

i am requesting

A straightforward and slightly more formal way of making a request.

is it possible to request

Focuses on the possibility of the request being granted, rather than directly asking.

is it ok if i ask

A more informal way of seeking permission, suitable for casual settings.

FAQs

What is the difference between "may I request" and "can I request"?

"May I request" is generally considered more formal and polite than "can I request". While both are acceptable, "may I request" is often preferred in formal settings or when addressing someone in a position of authority. Using "can I request" is perfectly acceptable, even preferred, in common communication.

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

You can use "may I request" to politely ask for something or seek permission. For example, "May I request an extension on the deadline?" or "May I request your assistance with this task?"

What are some alternatives to "may I request" for formal situations?

In formal situations, you can use phrases like "I would like to request", "I respectfully request", or "I am requesting". These alternatives convey a similar level of politeness and formality as "may I request".

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

It might be inappropriate to use "may I request" in very casual or informal settings where it could sound overly formal or pretentious. In such cases, simpler phrases like "can I", "could I", or "is it okay if I" are more appropriate. For example, you would not use in casual conversations. Consider "is it ok if i ask" to sound less stiff.