may we inquire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may we inquire" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a polite way to ask for information or clarification. Example: "May we inquire about the status of our application?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

May we also inquire, then, who will police the media?

The New York Times - Books

We inquire further, and it becomes apparent that we may be able to procure some black-market diesel.

The New York Times

We inquire into the matter.

SEP

We may inquire only whether it is arbitrary or capricious.

Cornell University

For maybe some labouring man or serving maid will come in sight, of whom we may inquire whether it is here that my sister hath her home.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Attendees of the International Light Fair Show in Philadelphia on May 17-21 may inquire for a private showing of Samsung's LED lights by attending the Samsung hospitality booth at Light Fair.

TechCrunch

Nancy, Judith's sassy, promiscuous best friend, who's a journalist, has this to say about the Courtney Logans of the world: "May I inquire precisely why we went through a revolution in women's rights, why we bothered to have our consciences raised?

The New York Times - Books

We inquired about a bag.

The New York Times - Food

After dessert, Roosevelt caught the king's eye and inquired, "Sir, may we smoke?" In the years ahead, with upstairs rooms for family members and the caretaker added in 1941 and 1943, the president and Suckley escaped regularly to the cottage, where Roosevelt had set up a table and toaster so he could prepare buttered toast for guests without assistance, a matter of considerable pride to him.

The New York Times - Arts

And then we may proceed to inquire whether that which suffers dispersion is or is not of the nature of soul-our hopes and fears as to our own souls will turn upon that.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Into the motives which induced members of Congress to enact the Boulder Canyon Project Act, this court may not inquire.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may we inquire" when seeking information in a formal or respectful context. It's particularly appropriate when addressing someone of higher authority or when initiating a delicate subject.

Common error

Avoid using "may we inquire" in casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or even pretentious. Simpler phrases like "can we ask" or "could we ask" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may we inquire" functions as a polite interrogative phrase used to introduce a question or request for information. It is a formulaic expression that softens the directness of the inquiry, making it more courteous. Ludwig confirms this by showing examples of its use in seeking information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may we inquire" is a polite and formal phrase used to introduce a question or request for information, typically employed in professional or respectful contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and acceptable in written English. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "can we ask", it maintains a tone of formality and is suitable for academic, business, and formal news settings. When choosing to use this phrase, consider the setting and audience to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

May we ask

More direct and slightly less formal.

Could we inquire

Uses "could" instead of "may", offering a slightly more tentative tone.

Might we ask

More formal and less common alternative.

Would you mind if we asked

A more verbose and polite way of seeking permission to ask a question.

Can we ask

Less formal and more direct.

Are we permitted to ask

Focuses on permission more explicitly.

May I ask

Shifts the focus to an individual asking the question.

Is it alright if we ask

Informal and conversational, checking for acceptance before asking.

We would like to inquire

A more assertive, yet still polite, way to phrase the inquiry.

If I may ask

More direct and emphasizes the speaker's desire to ask.

FAQs

How can I use "may we inquire" in a sentence?

You can use "may we inquire" to politely ask for information, such as, "May we inquire about the details of the agreement?"

What's a less formal alternative to "may we inquire"?

Less formal alternatives include "can we ask" or "could we ask", which are suitable for casual conversations.

When is it appropriate to use "may we inquire"?

It is appropriate to use "may we inquire" in formal settings, when addressing someone of authority, or when broaching a sensitive topic.

Is "may I inquire" the same as "may we inquire"?

"May I inquire" is used when a single person is asking, while "may we inquire" is used when a group or organization is asking.