you may bring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "you may bring" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to give permission or to inform someone that they are allowed to bring something along, often in a formal or polite context. Example: "For the picnic, you may bring your favorite dish to share with everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You may bring your own wine.

The New York Times

You may bring any books or notes.

Cornell University

No alcohol is served, but you may bring your own.

The New York Times - Travel

You may bring lawn chairs or blankets if you wish.

Columbia University

But with a foundation devoted to philanthropy you may bring the family together.

The New York Times

La Flor does not have a liquor license, so you may bring your own.

The New York Times - Food

Yes, you may bring one bottle if it's something I do not have in my cellar".

The New York Times

our modest gifts, like tiny seeds, not knowing what fruits you may bring out of them..

The Guardian

The restaurant has no liquor license, but you may bring your own.

The New York Times - Food

However, you may bring a 8.5x11" cheat-sheet with writing on both sides, if you wish.

Princeton University

If you are registering for a full table, you may bring a maximum of 4 recruiters.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "you may bring" in formal contexts, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and level of formality in your writing. It's suitable for instructions, guidelines, or permissions.

Common error

Avoid substituting "might" for "may" when granting permission. "You might bring" suggests possibility, whereas "you may bring" grants explicit permission.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you may bring" functions as a permissive expression, indicating that someone is allowed or has permission to bring something. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies its use in granting permission or informing someone that they are allowed to bring something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

37%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "you may bring" is a versatile expression used to grant permission or inform someone of an allowance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. With a neutral to formal tone, it's frequently found in academic and news contexts, indicating its reliability in various settings. While alternatives like "you are allowed to bring" exist, "you may bring" strikes a balance between formality and approachability, making it a useful addition to one's writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you are allowed to bring

Emphasizes permission or authorization more directly.

you are permitted to bring

Similar to 'allowed,' but often carries a slightly more formal tone.

feel free to bring

Conveys a sense of invitation and informality.

you can bring

A simpler and more direct way to express possibility or permission.

it is acceptable for you to bring

Highlights the acceptability or appropriateness of bringing something.

you have the option to bring

Focuses on the choice or opportunity available to the person.

you are welcome to bring

Indicates a hospitable or encouraging invitation to bring something.

it's okay if you bring

Offers reassurance that bringing something is permissible and won't cause problems.

you might want to bring

Suggests that bringing something could be beneficial or advisable.

consider bringing

Encourages the listener to consider the possibility of bringing something, implying potential advantages.

FAQs

What does "you may bring" mean?

The phrase "you may bring" indicates that someone is allowed or has permission to bring something with them. It is a polite and formal way of granting permission.

How to use "you may bring" in a sentence?

You can use "you may bring" to give someone permission or inform them of what they are allowed to bring. For example, "For the exam, "you may bring" a calculator."

What can I say instead of "you may bring"?

You can use alternatives like "you are allowed to bring", "you are permitted to bring", or "feel free to bring" depending on the context.

Is "you may bring" formal or informal?

"You may bring" is generally considered more formal than "you can bring" but less formal than "you are permitted to bring". Its formality level makes it suitable for various professional and academic contexts.