may I
Requesting your blessing
May I is a polite formula for requesting permission, typically followed by a verb: May I ask you something?
May I have this dance?
The phrase signals deference to the other person's authority to grant or deny the request.
It's more formal than "can I," which purists once insisted was only about physical ability, though that distinction has largely faded in casual speech.
- pleasePolite appeal word
- permissionGranted right to act
- allowGrant permission for
- requestFormal act of seeking
- have a wordSpeak briefly with someone
pardon · excuse me · cut in · polite · ask · inquire · speak freely · permit · grant · favor · beg · entreat · courtesy · formal · humble · doorway · come in · hesitation
politeness and permission-seeking
may Ido it
Command to act
I will · give me · shut up · move · hand it over
direction of permission
may Ipermission denied
Access refusal message
permission granted · denied · absolutely not · no · granted
- may as wellNo downside to proceeding
- come what mayDespite any consequences
- Theresa MayBritish leader 2016-2019
- may beExpression of uncertainty
- Aunt May
- how may i help you