might we ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might we ask" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a polite request or inquiry, often in formal or professional contexts. Example: "Might we ask for your feedback on our recent presentation?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

What might we ask for in return?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

What questions might we dare ask and attempt to answer?

The Guardian

What you might get We asked Jason Hollands of advisers Tilney Bestinvest to do the figures.

The Guardian - Money

We thought we might ask José if we could sleep on his floor, no harm in asking.

Independent

But we might ask whether we can afford, morally and financially, to keep creating more patients.

The New Yorker

How, we might ask, do we better understand and engage such a constantly connected person?

Huffington Post

Going a step further, we might ask whether we can identify genes that affect sex differences in age-specific trajectories of specific metabolites.

Aging Cell

We might ask ourselves how we can say we support democracy and at the same time bankroll corrupt regimes like President Hosni Mubarak's.

The New York Times

Another question we might ask: how did we get here?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Should I be doing that, too? are questions we might ask ourselves because we're insecure.

Huffington Post

Some questions we might ask ourselves are: Do we wear any of the same things?

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might we ask", ensure the context aligns with the level of formality it implies. It's well-suited for professional correspondence, presentations, or situations where politeness is paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "might we ask" in casual conversations or informal emails. Simpler alternatives like "can we ask" or "could we ask" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might we ask" functions as a polite interrogative structure, used to introduce a question in a formal or semi-formal context. It softens the directness of the query, demonstrating respect and consideration for the recipient. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

32%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might we ask" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for introducing questions with a touch of formality and respect. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, it's ideal for professional or academic exchanges. While it's a versatile phrase, remember that simpler alternatives are more suitable for informal contexts. Use it wisely to maintain a courteous tone while seeking information, as "might we ask" suggests the possibility of the question being well-received.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may we ask

Uses a different modal verb ("may" instead of "might") to express permission or possibility in a question, slightly more formal.

could we ask

Employs "could" as a modal verb, suggesting politeness and possibility, similar in tone and usage.

would it be possible to ask

Introduces a more elaborate and formal way of phrasing the question, emphasizing politeness.

is it alright if we ask

Presents a question indirectly, seeking permission or confirmation before posing the actual question.

we were wondering if we could ask

Softens the inquiry by framing it as a thought or consideration, adding a layer of politeness.

can we inquire

Uses "inquire" to suggest a more formal or investigative approach to asking the question.

we'd like to know

Expresses a desire for information, serving as a prelude to a question, slightly less direct.

what if we were to ask

Introduces a hypothetical scenario, framing the question as a thought experiment or consideration.

how about we ask

Suggests a course of action (asking a question) in a more casual or conversational manner.

let's consider asking

Proposes the act of asking a question as a matter for consideration or deliberation, less direct.

FAQs

How can I use "might we ask" in a sentence?

Use "might we ask" to politely introduce a question, especially in formal settings. For example, "Might we ask for your opinion on this matter?"

What is a more informal way to say "might we ask"?

In informal contexts, you can use alternatives like "can we ask" or "could we ask". These options are less formal but still polite.

Is "might we ask" always appropriate when asking a question?

No, "might we ask" is best suited for formal situations. In casual settings, simpler phrases are more appropriate. Using "can we ask" is often a good choice for a less formal setting.

What's the difference between "might we ask" and "may we ask"?

"Might we ask" and "may we ask" are both polite ways to ask a question, but "may we ask" is generally considered more formal and emphasizes permission, while "might we ask" focuses on possibility.