might I recommend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might I recommend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when politely suggesting something to someone. Example: "Might I recommend trying the new Italian restaurant downtown? I've heard great things about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Might I recommend Tony Manero, which screens tonight at the Greenwich Playhouse?

The Guardian - Film

As to the moving, might I recommend that in future, you talk to one another?

The Guardian - Sport

Might I recommend Land Of Confusion by Genesis or Rockaria by ELO, to really amp up the excitement levels.

The Guardian - Tech

If your answer is yes, and you also find this to be a pleasant experience, might I recommend this excruciating new drama from Joe Swanberg.

The Guardian - Film

For more on the technology of wiretapping and encrypted data, might I recommend iharsten's excellent research, BTL of the episode four blog?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For reporting on the Tea Party movement might I recommend my colleague Ben McGrath's article of a few months back, or Jane Mayer's recent investigation into the Koch brothers.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

A few weekends ago, I did just that, imagining a budget and itinerary I might recommend to a cash-poor friend crashing on my couch during a first visit to New York.

The New York Times

If I thought any Android tablets were worth buying these days, I might recommend this one just because.

TechCrunch

There might be some truth to that slogan, but if he really wants to win again I might recommend he take yet another page from the Joe Quimby handbook he has used so well.

The Guardian

I'm not sure what ranks as Didion's strongest book, the one I might recommend in 20 years' time.

The Guardian - Opinion

When I was done with the book, I closed it and actually just sat and thought about it, and about whom I might recommend it to.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might I recommend" when you want to offer a suggestion in a polite and non-assertive manner. It's particularly effective in situations where you want to avoid sounding demanding or presumptuous.

Common error

Avoid using "might I recommend" in highly informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Opt for simpler phrases like "I suggest" or "You could try".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might I recommend" functions as a polite suggestion or recommendation. It softens the directness of a simple recommendation, making it more courteous, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might I recommend" is a versatile phrase used to offer suggestions politely. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically correct and particularly common in news and media contexts. While it can be employed in various scenarios, it's essential to consider the level of formality to avoid sounding out of place. Remember that using alternatives like "I would suggest" or "may I suggest" can better suit certain situations. The phrase presents an approach to providing advice in a considerate manner, aligning with both grammatical standards and user intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

May I suggest

Similar level of formality, using "may" instead of "might".

I recommend

Direct and straightforward recommendation.

I would suggest

More direct and slightly less formal.

I would advise

Similar to suggest, but implies a bit more weight or caution.

I propose

More formal and often used in business or official settings.

Have you considered

Asks if the listener has already thought about the speaker's suggestion.

Perhaps you should consider

Politely suggests consideration, leaving the final decision open.

Consider

A very concise and subtle way of making a recommendation.

It might be worth considering

Hedges the suggestion, making it less assertive.

You could try

Informal and less forceful suggestion.

FAQs

How can I use "might I recommend" in a sentence?

You can use "might I recommend" to politely offer a suggestion, such as: "Might I recommend the salmon? It's the chef's special tonight."

What are some alternatives to "might I recommend"?

Alternatives include "I would suggest", "may I suggest", or simply "I recommend". The best choice depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "might I recommend" too formal for casual conversation?

Yes, "might I recommend" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In those settings, a more relaxed phrase like "I suggest" or "you could try" would be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "might I recommend" and "I recommend"?

"Might I recommend" is a more polite and tentative way of offering a suggestion compared to the more direct statement "I recommend". Use "might I recommend" when you want to be less assertive.