please allow me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please allow me" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to politely ask for permission to do something or for consideration from another person. For example: "Please allow me to explain the situation before you make any decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Please allow me to laugh.

The Guardian - Books

Please allow me to tell you why.

The New York Times

Please allow me to disabuse you.

The Guardian - Books

Hmm, not really – please allow me to explain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cameron: Please allow me to buy you two, Mr Farago.

The Guardian

Blatter's letter states: "Please allow me to express my deepest regret for the present situation.

Independent

Well, Paula, please allow me to introduce myself: I'm one of those folks.

The New York Times

When Indigo introduces herself, she sings: "Please allow me, friends, to introduce myself".

The Guardian

Is there anything you want to say? No? Well, then, please allow me to continue.

The New Yorker

Please allow me to adduce Persimmon v. Aberdeen Wheelchair and Mortimer v. Great Lakes Suction.

The New York Times - Books

For the record, please allow me to report that it did not in fact end in tears.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience; a more formal setting might benefit from this phrase over a more casual one.

Common error

Avoid using "please allow me" in casual conversations where a simpler "let me" or direct statement would suffice. Overusing it can make you sound overly formal or even insincere.

Linguistic Context

"Please allow me" functions as a polite introductory phrase. It softens a request or offers an explanation in a courteous manner. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please allow me" is a versatile phrase used to politely request permission or introduce an explanation. Ludwig confirms that it is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression. Its frequency is high across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. For increased politeness and respect, this phrase is recommended for professional and neutral settings. Consider "permit me to" or "let me" as shorter alternatives. While the examples provide a comprehensive overview of its usage, remember to avoid overuse in casual settings to maintain authenticity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow me

A shorter, more direct version of the original phrase.

permit me to

A more concise and slightly more formal alternative.

may I be permitted to

Highly formal and polite, suitable for very respectful contexts.

kindly permit me

Emphasizes politeness and deference, making it slightly more formal.

with your permission

Explicitly seeks consent before proceeding.

let me

A more casual and informal way of asking for permission.

if you would allow

Introduces a conditional element, suggesting a willingness to comply with the listener's wishes.

I'd like to request permission to

Directly states the intent to ask for permission, adding a layer of explicitness.

I ask that you allow me

Emphasizes the speaker's request for permission more directly.

let me be so bold as to

Highlights a degree of hesitation or potential presumption, adding a layer of self-awareness.

FAQs

What does "please allow me" mean?

The phrase "please allow me" is a polite way of asking for permission to do something or to introduce an explanation or statement. It's commonly used to show respect and consideration for the listener.

How can I use "please allow me" in a sentence?

You can use "please allow me" to politely introduce a request or explanation, such as, "Please allow me to explain my point of view" or "Please allow me to assist you with that task".

What are some alternatives to "please allow me"?

Alternatives include "permit me to", "let me", or "may I", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to say "allow me" or "please allow me"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "please allow me" is generally more polite and courteous. The addition of "please" adds a layer of respect and consideration, making it suitable for formal situations.