please allow me to ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'please allow me to ask' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to politely introduce a question in a variety of contexts. For example, one might say, "I hope you don't mind me asking, but please allow me to ask - do you know when the meeting is?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr President, please allow me to add something to what Mrs Gebhardt has said.

EU Parlament

I'm glad you asked; please allow me to make the connection.

Huffington Post

Vanna asked, "Comrade, please allow me to tell you a story my father used to tell me as a child".

Huffington Post

"Not being able to see also allowed me to concentrate on asking God to please allow me to go back and hug my family," he said.

The New York Times

"Please allow me to say — and this is from my study of human motivations — there must be a reason you ask the question".

The New Yorker

Schweickart threw his arms up and cried, "Please allow me to continue where I'm going, in trying to save the planet!" "Who could stop you?" another committee member asked.

The New Yorker

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "please allow me to ask" to politely introduce a question, especially when you anticipate the question might be sensitive or require some background.

Common error

Avoid using "please allow me to ask" excessively. Overuse can make your writing sound overly formal or even insincere. Opt for more concise options like "may I ask" or "can I ask" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please allow me to ask" functions as a polite and deferential introductory phrase. It serves to soften the act of questioning, indicating respect for the listener and acknowledging that the question might require permission or consideration.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please allow me to ask" is a grammatically correct phrase used to politely introduce a question. As shown by Ludwig, it aims to soften the question and show respect to the recipient. While Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is valid, it's important to recognize that this phrase is rare in everyday conversation but common in more formal environments. Alternatives like "may I ask" or "could I ask" can often be more suitable depending on context. Finally, though useful, overusing it can come across as insincere, so choose wisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may I ask

More concise and slightly more formal.

could I ask

Polite and common way to introduce a question.

would you mind if I asked

More hesitant and emphasizes politeness.

if I may ask

Formal and indicates deference.

can I ask

More direct and informal.

let me ask

Slightly more assertive while still being polite.

I'd like to inquire

More formal and business-oriented.

I was wondering

Indirect and implies contemplation before asking.

permit me to inquire

Highly formal and somewhat archaic.

with your permission, I'd like to ask

Emphasizes seeking explicit approval to ask a question.

FAQs

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

You can use "please allow me to ask" to politely preface a question, especially when the topic might be sensitive. For instance, "Please allow me to ask, what are the potential risks involved?"

What are some alternatives to "please allow me to ask"?

Alternatives include "may I ask", "could I ask", or "if I may ask". The best choice depends on the level of formality and politeness required.

Is "please allow me to ask" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "please allow me to ask" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "can I ask" or "may I ask" are generally more appropriate.

When is it most appropriate to use "please allow me to ask"?

It's best to use "please allow me to ask" in situations where you want to show extra politeness or deference, such as when speaking to someone in authority or when broaching a potentially sensitive subject.