permit me to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "permit me to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to politely ask for the opportunity to clarify or elaborate on a point. Example: "Before we proceed, permit me to explain the reasoning behind our decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Permit me to explain.

The New Yorker

If you live in New York, or China, India may seem a long way to go to buy a j Permit me to explain.

The New Yorker

Permit me to explain, because we can all win if we get this right.

TechCrunch

Permit me to explain (listen closely, my Republican friends).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

When it became clear that no hearings would be scheduled to permit Pope to explain his position -- and that his nomination was therefore DOA -- he withdrew and resigned from the diplomatic corps.

The Washington Post

Understanding the biological significance of HPV-DNA semen infection could permit us to explain most of the idiopathic male and couple infertility, leading to a better management of infertile men and a better timing for sperm banking storage before ART cycles.

BioMed Research International

If you'll permit me a commercial, I explain all this in detail — as well as what must be done — in AFTERSHOCK: The Next Economy and America's Future, which will be out in two weeks from Knopf.

University of California, Berkeley

Before I undergo a few neuropsychological tests, administered by the center's integrative therapist, permit me another science-y interlude to explain how the brain is able to countervail the effects of aging — to some extent, and for only a limited period of time.

The New Yorker

In keeping with this proposal, our data permit to explain the observation of a defective mitochondrial respiration found in muscle strips but not in isolated mitochondria from PGC-1β KO mice under basal conditions [20].

Plosone

The approach presented here not only allows for an optimized catalytic activity toward uric acid but also permits one to explain why some film architectures exhibit a superior performance.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

This relaxation, which seems to be related to microstructural variations originating in a free volume increase, permits us to explain the lower mechanical properties of the larger higher crosslinked mixtures in the temperature range between the β and α relaxations.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "permit me to explain" when you want to politely and formally introduce a clarification or justification.

Common error

While polite, "permit me to explain" can sound overly formal in casual settings. Use it sparingly, and consider more direct alternatives like "let me explain" in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "permit me to explain" functions as an introductory phrase used to politely request the opportunity to provide clarification or justification. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It sets the stage for an explanation by seeking the listener's or reader's indulgence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "permit me to explain" is a grammatically correct phrase used to politely introduce a clarification or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid and useful expression. While it appears across various contexts including news, science, and academia, it leans towards a formal register and should be used judiciously in casual conversation. For less formal settings, consider alternatives like "let me explain" or "allow me to clarify".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Allow me to elucidate

Replaces "permit" with "allow" and "explain" with the more formal "elucidate".

Let me clarify

Offers a more direct and concise way to introduce an explanation.

Allow me to elaborate

Emphasizes the intention to provide more details.

If I may explain

Introduces a slightly more conditional tone.

Perhaps I can clarify

Suggests a possibility of providing clarity.

May I offer an explanation

Poses a direct question seeking permission to explain.

I'd like to clarify

Indicates a desire to provide clarity or further information.

Let me shed some light on that

Uses a metaphor to suggest providing understanding.

To clarify the matter

Sets the stage by directly stating intent to clarify something.

For the sake of clarity

Introduces an explanation that directly aims to improve understanding.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "permit me to explain"?

Use "permit me to explain" in formal situations where you want to politely ask for the opportunity to clarify or elaborate on a point. It's suitable for professional settings, formal writing, or when addressing someone with respect.

What are some alternatives to "permit me to explain"?

You can use alternatives like "let me clarify", "allow me to elaborate", or "may I explain" depending on the context and your desired level of formality.

Is "permit me to explain" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "permit me to explain" is generally considered too formal for casual, everyday conversations. In informal settings, phrases like "let me explain" or "let me clarify" are more appropriate.

How can I use "permit me to explain" in a sentence?

You can use "permit me to explain" to introduce a clarification or justification, for example, "Before we proceed, "permit me to explain" the reasoning behind our decision".