you may sneer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "you may sneer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when allowing or acknowledging someone to express disdain or contempt towards something or someone. Example: "You may sneer at my choices, but I stand by them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

You may sneer.

The Guardian

And although you may sneer at me – through yellow, decayed, gappy teeth – for peddling stereotypes, you may consider it a small recompense for the years of having to admit that a majority of Americans did vote for that idiot in the White House – at least the second time round.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And once she looks at those "A"s smack dab on your report card while hers has only got "F s, she may sneer and call you a nerd.

WikiHow

I understand the reasons why diners may sneer at contemporary Bologna...but if you go there with the right strategies, and if you arrive aware of what you must avoid, you can eat brilliantly in this place.

Huffington Post

Some people may sneer at such headlines.

The Economist

Oh, sneerers may sneer, but my love is pure.

Independent

Some may sneer, but ordinary Frenchmen adore Americana.

The Economist

Critics may sneer at her talking duck or orgasmic shampoo users, but consumers are responding.

The New York Times

Mr Paxman may sneer at people in power, but he does not dismiss them, as many do these days.

The Economist

Sophisticates may sneer at musicals, but the world would be a better place if leaders heeded the wisdom of crowdpleasers.

The Economist

Creationists may sneer, but Mr. Brinkman mounts an argument against intelligent design that is both brainy and entertaining.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "you may sneer" when acknowledging someone's potential or expressed disdain, often to contrast it with a differing viewpoint or action. For example: "You may sneer at my methods, but they get results."

Common error

Avoid using "you may sneer" if you intend to encourage genuine engagement or understanding. The phrase inherently acknowledges a degree of contempt and can shut down productive conversation if misused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you may sneer" functions as an acknowledgement of potential derision. It's often used to concede that someone might view something with contempt, before proceeding to explain or defend it. Ludwig examples showcase this use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "you may sneer" acknowledges that someone might express contempt or disdain. While grammatically sound, it is relatively rare in usage, mainly appearing in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and its function is often to preemptively address criticism while asserting a different perspective. Alternative phrases such as "feel free to scoff" or "you are welcome to deride" offer varying degrees of formality and emphasis. When employing this phrase, it's essential to be mindful of the connotation and ensure that it aligns with the intended communicative goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel free to scoff

Emphasizes permission to express scorn.

you are welcome to deride

Formally grants the right to ridicule.

go ahead and mock

Encourages mocking behavior with a slightly challenging tone.

if you want to scorn

Poses the act of showing contempt as a conditional choice.

you're free to be cynical

Focuses on the internal attitude of cynicism.

by all means, disparage

A more emphatic and slightly sarcastic allowance to belittle.

you have the right to disdain

Asserts the right to feel and show contempt.

scoff if you will

A literary way to acknowledge someone's potential scorn.

you're entitled to ridicule

Highlights entitlement to ridicule, possibly sarcastically.

feel free to look down on

Suggests permission to adopt a condescending attitude.

FAQs

How can I use "you may sneer" in a sentence?

Use "you may sneer" to acknowledge that someone might express contempt or disdain toward something. For example, "You may sneer at my old car, but it still runs well."

What does "you may sneer" imply?

It implies that the speaker anticipates or acknowledges a dismissive or contemptuous reaction from the listener toward a particular subject.

What are some alternatives to saying "you may sneer"?

Alternatives include "feel free to scoff", "you are welcome to deride", or "go ahead and mock", depending on the desired tone and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "you may sneer" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "you may sneer" can sound dismissive or confrontational. Consider alternatives in formal writing unless you specifically want to acknowledge and address potential contempt.