we may proceed

USAGE SUMMARY

'we may proceed' is a correctly formed sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to indicate that further progress or action can be taken. For example: "We have finished reviewing the document, so we may proceed with the next step of the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"Please advise if we may proceed with the work and if you will be taking care of EDD cases".

The Guardian

"We hope this is accepted so that we may proceed with due diligence forthwith and make a start to the task of rebuilding Rangers Football Club of 1872".

The Guardian - Sport

He put down the receiver and told the warden: 'We may proceed with the execution.'" At 7.10, the warden announced that the first chemical, sodium pentothal, had been administered, to send him to sleep, followed a minute later by pancuronium bromide, to paralyse his lungs, and then one minute after that, potassium chloride, to stop his heart - all fed through tubes from a "chemical room" next door.

The Guardian

We may proceed as follows.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Or we may proceed in another way (see [13, p.71]), as follows.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

By a similar argument in [9] we may proceed; we omit the details here.

Boundary Value Problems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Because metabolite toxicity was attenuated by exogenous GSH, we hypothesized that this toxicity may proceed through diminished GSH levels.

Cell Death and Disease

Here, we have illustrated how such interdisciplinary inquiry may proceed with regard to central problems in philosophical ethics.

SEP

"We don't have a script that says 'You may proceed.' ".

The New York Times

Alternatively, and we feel more likely, processive resection of all breaks may proceed at a similar rate once initiated, but may initiate stochastically, at a slower rate.

EMBO Journal

We developed a simple model of adherence communication, identifying three factors that influence how communication may proceed through four steps.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we may proceed" when you need to formally or politely indicate that an action or process can continue, often after a condition has been met or a decision has been made.

Common error

Avoid using "we can proceed" when the context requires a formal tone or suggests seeking permission. "Can" implies ability, while "may" implies permission or possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we may proceed" primarily functions as a performative utterance or directive. It indicates that permission has been granted or a condition has been met, allowing for the continuation of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we may proceed" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to indicate that permission has been granted, a condition has been met, or the next step in a process is authorized. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. While "we can proceed" focuses on ability, "we may proceed" emphasizes permission or possibility, making it suitable for formal and professional settings. Its widespread use in science, news & media, and business contexts underscores its versatility and importance in clear, professional communication. Remember to use it accurately to convey the intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we may go ahead

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes immediate action.

we can continue

This suggests a more straightforward ability to proceed, rather than seeking or granting permission.

we can move forward

Focuses on advancing to the next stage, rather than permission.

we are allowed to proceed

This emphasizes explicit permission has been granted.

we are clear to proceed

This phrase indicates that any obstacles or concerns have been addressed, allowing for continuation.

we are permitted to continue

This is a more formal way of saying "we are allowed to proceed."

we have the green light

This is an idiomatic way of saying permission has been granted to move forward with something.

we have authorization to proceed

Highlights that official approval has been obtained.

it's acceptable for us to continue

Focuses on the idea of it being ok, or approved, to keep going.

the next phase is clear

Shift focus on the state of the next phase

FAQs

How to use "we may proceed" in a sentence?

Use "we may proceed" to indicate that it is permissible or possible to continue with an action or process. For example, "Now that we have all the necessary approvals, "we may proceed" with the project."

What can I say instead of "we may proceed"?

You can use alternatives like "we can continue", "we are allowed to proceed", or "we may go ahead" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we may proceed" or "we can proceed"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but their usage differs slightly. "We can proceed" implies ability, while ""we may proceed"" suggests permission or possibility. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "we may proceed" and "we will proceed"?

"We may proceed" indicates a possibility or permission, whereas "we will proceed" expresses a definite intention to continue. The former is conditional, while the latter is assertive.