may we please

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may we please" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to politely ask for something. For example: "May we please have more time to complete the assignment?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Distributors, festival programmers, exhibitors: may we please see this movie in New York?

The New Yorker

(Note to world: may we please stop repeating the same lame cardiologist/cholesterol/heart attack jokes when confronted with huge slabs of beef and/or eggs? Take a Lipitor or something).

The New York Times

If you like engineering and you like old motors – and if you don't, may we please direct you down the WH Smith magazine shelf towards Lincolnshire Caravanning Monthly – you can't help but adore the 500's bubbly two-cylinder.

BBC

"May we please hear from you?" he wrote.

The New Yorker

"May we please have a photograph?" they asked me in perfect English.

The New Yorker

May we please speak with you to discuss this important issue in more detail?

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

(And may we all please start calling it a plague?) These 50 million people are dying now.

The New York Times

"Please, please, please may we think not only of ourselves," Tutu said.

The Guardian

And in a statement released through his foundation, Desmond Tutu said: "Please, please, please may we think not only of ourselves.

Independent

Although it is true that images often come into the mind unbidden, and sometimes it is hard to shake off unwanted imagery (for instance, a memory of some horrible sight that one cannot get out of one's mind), most of us, most of the time can quite freely and voluntarily conjure-up and manipulate imagery of whatever we may please (provided, of course, that we know what it looks like).

SEP

William Sarokin Mount Kisco, N.Y., Nov. 4, 2010 • To the Editor: Little-known fact: more than 200 years ago, John Adams predicted the rise of the Tea Party: "We may please ourselves with the prospect of free and popular governments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may we please" when addressing someone in a position of authority or when making a request in a formal setting. This adds a layer of respect and politeness to your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "may we please" in casual conversations or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Opt for simpler and more direct phrasing like "can we" or "could we" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may we please" functions as a polite interrogative used to request permission or make a formal appeal. It combines the auxiliary verb 'may' to express possibility or permission with 'please' to soften the request and show courtesy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may we please" is a grammatically sound and polite phrase used to make requests, primarily in formal settings. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to respectfully solicit permission or assistance. While its frequency is classified as uncommon, authoritative sources demonstrate its usage in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and audience to ensure that the level of formality aligns with the situation. Less formal alternatives like "can we please" might be more appropriate in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might we ask

Poses a question with a hint of hesitancy.

can we inquire

A more direct, yet still polite, way to ask.

could we possibly

Emphasizes politeness and possibility.

we'd be grateful if we could

Expresses gratitude for the possibility of the request being fulfilled.

we respectfully request

Adds a tone of respect to the request.

we would appreciate it if we could

Indicates gratitude in advance for the request being granted.

is it permissible for us to

Checks for permission in a formal manner.

would you kindly allow us to

A very formal and polite request.

we humbly ask

Emphasizes humility in making the request.

if you would be so kind as to let us

An extremely polite and somewhat indirect request.

FAQs

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

Use "may we please" to make a polite request, such as, "May we please have an extension on the deadline?" or "May we please enter the room?" It's typically used in formal contexts.

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

For less formal situations, you can use alternatives like "can we", "could we", or simply "please". For example, instead of "May we please have some water?", you can say "Can we have some water, please?"

Is "may we please" always appropriate?

While grammatically correct, "may we please" is quite formal. It's best suited for situations where you want to show respect or make a very polite request. In casual settings, it can sound stilted or even sarcastic.

What is the difference between "may we please" and "can we please"?

"May we please" is more formal and polite compared to "can we please". "May" implies permission, while "can" implies ability. The choice depends on the context and the level of formality desired.