please proceed

USAGE SUMMARY

"please proceed" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to continue to the next step of an action or process. For example, "Now that the documents have been signed, please proceed to the next room to finish the paperwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Please proceed.

The New York Times

OBAMA: Please proceed.

The New Yorker

OBAMA: Please proceed, Governor.

The New Yorker

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Please proceed, Governor.

The New York Times

ALEX KOPPELMAN: "Please proceed, Governor".

The New Yorker

Please proceed accordingly.

Columbia University

So please, proceed.

Stanford University

Please proceed with the utmost care".

The New York Times

Please proceed to the next one.

The New Yorker

So, please proceed with caution.

Stanford University

THE PRESIDENT: Then please proceed.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please proceed" in written communication, ensure the context clearly indicates what action the recipient should continue or initiate. Clarity prevents ambiguity and ensures effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "please proceed" in extremely casual conversations. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "go ahead" or "continue" to maintain a natural tone and avoid sounding overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please proceed" primarily functions as an imperative, directing or requesting someone to continue with a task, action, or process. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage in diverse contexts, affirming its direct yet polite function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

26%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please proceed" is a grammatically correct and very common imperative phrase used to politely direct someone to continue with an action or task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds application in diverse contexts, ranging from academic and professional to news and media. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to professional registers, and care should be taken to avoid overuse in highly informal settings. Related phrases like "go ahead" or "continue" may provide more appropriate alternatives in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceed

Omitting "please" makes the request slightly more direct and less formal.

continue

This is a shorter, more direct way to ask someone to keep going.

kindly continue

Adding "kindly" emphasizes politeness and may be appropriate in formal settings.

carry on

Implies the activity should continue without interruption. It is frequently used in British English.

go ahead

A more informal way of giving permission or encouragement to start or continue.

you may proceed

A more formal and authoritative way of granting permission.

feel free to continue

Offers a sense of autonomy and permission to continue at one's own discretion.

continue when you're ready

Adds a condition based on the readiness of the person acting.

let's continue

Suggests a collaborative continuation, involving both the speaker and the listener.

onward

A concise and encouraging term to keep moving forward.

FAQs

How can I use "please proceed" in a sentence?

You can use "please proceed" to politely ask someone to continue with an action or task, such as "Now that you have the necessary documents, "please proceed" with the application process".

What are some alternatives to "please proceed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "go ahead", "continue", or "carry on" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to use "please" with "proceed"?

While using "please" adds a level of politeness, it's not always necessary. In some formal settings or instructions, "proceed" alone may be sufficient. However, including "please" generally makes the request more courteous.

What's the difference between "please proceed" and "you may proceed"?

"Please proceed" is a polite request to continue, while "you may proceed" is a more formal and authoritative granting of permission to continue. The former is generally more conversational.