The rule, as people use it

"May I ...?" asks for permission. It's the most polite way to do it. The pattern is "May I" plus the base verb: May I sit here? May I come in? May I see the menu?

Compare the three ways to ask. "Can I sit here?" is everyday and friendly. "Could I sit here?" is a bit softer. "May I sit here?" is the most formal. You'll hear it in hotels, shops, offices and from people who want to sound careful. With friends, "May I" can sound stiff, so most people use "Can I".

Staff often use "May I" to offer help: "May I take your coat?" "May I help you?" It's their polite way of saying "Let me do this for you."

To answer yes, say "Of course", "Sure" or "Go ahead". To say no politely, say "Sorry, ..." and give a reason: "Sorry, that seat's taken."

Examples

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Fill the gap

Type the missing words, then check. The full sentence plays when you get it.

  1. 1

    (May / I) open the window? It's hot.

  2. 2

    May I (borrow) your umbrella?

  3. 3

    May I (check) your bag, please?

  4. 4

    (May) I take a photo of you?

  5. 5

    May I (speak) to the manager?

  6. 6

    "May I sit down?" "Of (course)."

  7. 7

    May I (have) the check, please?

  8. 8

    May I (ask) where you're from?

Practice · 3 min

Write the "May I" question you'd ask in each place, then say each one out loud, slowly and politely.

  • At a busy cafe, looking at an empty chair: ___
  • At a hotel desk, wanting the Wi-Fi password: ___
  • In a job interview, before you answer: ___
  • At a store, wanting to try on a shirt: ___
  • In an office, wanting to leave before five: ___

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.