may we know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may we know" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it as a polite way of asking for information from someone—for example: "May we know the results of the test?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Before we die, may we know that to be alive is astounding, inconceivably precious, a privilege beyond reckoning.

The New York Times

Be that as it may, we know of no reason why less drastic relief may not be granted in appropriate cases.

Cornell University

2. Theresa May: "We know that for people in low-paid jobs, wages are forced down even further while some people are forced out of work altogether".

Independent

Or may we know what Tim Roemer's experience on the 9/11 commission taught him about India?

Huffington Post

I hear it all the time, "here's to strong women - may we know them, may we raise them, may we be them".

Huffington Post

"I heard this quote recently and it reminded me of your book so I wanted to share it with you: 'Here's to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.'" .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

May we never know shame again".

Huffington Post

We may "know" "who" we "are," but we are, after all, social creatures.

Stanford University

We may know, but we don't always do.

The New York Times

We may not know we are doing this.

Huffington Post

Science tells us what we may know, along with why and how we may know it.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may we know", ensure the context is appropriate for a polite or formal request. Avoid using it in situations where directness is more valued.

Common error

Avoid overusing "may we know" in informal settings where it might sound overly stiff. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can we know" or "could we know" when speaking with friends or colleagues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may we know" functions as a polite interrogative expression. It is used to request information or inquire about something from someone, as seen in Ludwig's examples, such as "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may we know" is a polite and formal way to request information, commonly found in news, academic, and business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose simpler alternatives like "can we know" or "could we know" in less formal situations. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "may we know" to convey respect and professionalism in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can we know

Uses a more direct modal verb, "can", instead of "may", making it slightly less formal.

could we know

Substitutes "may" with "could", suggesting a conditional possibility for obtaining the information.

might we know

Employs "might" which indicates a lower probability or possibility compared to "may".

we would like to know

Expresses a desire for knowledge in a more declarative form.

we wish to know

Similar to "we would like to know", but slightly more formal and emphasizes the desire.

is it possible for us to know

Rephrases the request into a question about possibility, making it more explicit but less concise.

we are curious to know

Highlights the speaker's curiosity as the reason for seeking information.

we hope to learn

Shifts the focus to the act of learning, implying a desire for future knowledge.

we aspire to understand

Expresses a stronger, more ambitious desire for comprehension rather than simple knowledge.

is there any way for us to find out

Focuses on finding a method to acquire knowledge, rather than directly asking for it.

FAQs

How to use "may we know" in a sentence?

You can use "may we know" as a polite way of asking for information, such as "May we know the details of the agreement?" or "Before we proceed, may we know the budget allocation?".

What can I say instead of "may we know"?

You can use alternatives like "can we know", "could we know", or "we would like to know" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate to use "may we know" in formal settings, professional communications, or when addressing someone in a position of authority. It conveys politeness and respect in your request.

Is "may we know" interchangeable with "can we know"?

While both phrases ask for information, "may we know" is generally considered more polite and formal than "can we know". Use "may we know" when formality is important.