🎁 A holiday package to celebrate the season! Click here and shop now!

TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

Can I say vs may I say

Both 'can I say' and 'may I say' are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'Can I say' is used to ask for permission or ability, while 'may I say' is more formal and polite, often used to seek permission or make a polite suggestion.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1344 views

Can I say

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to ask for permission or ability.

Use 'can I say' when you want to ask if you have permission or the ability to say something.

Examples:

  • Can I say something?
  • Can I say a few words?
  • Can I say that I disagree?
  • Can I say how I feel?
  • Can I say what's on my mind?
  • Can I say that I was extremely impressed by how it was done.
  • Can I say that this is disrespectful, unfair and unfounded.
  • Can I say how happy I am for you?
  • Can I say something, one thing, before you drive off?
  • Can I say something, please?
  • Can I say something, Trubel?
  • Can I say what we're all probably thinking?
  • Can I say just one more thing?
  • Can I say something that'll... probably annoy you?
  • Can I say unnamed White House source?
  • Can I say something, ma'am?
  • Can I say something even crazier?
  • Can I say something about the cat?
  • Can I say that the European Union recognizes the need for further improvements and progress in the implementation of human rights and democratic freedoms in Turkey.
  • Can I say to the Honourable Member there is no question of the Union ending a trade agreement with Israel.
  • Can I say something in my own defense?
  • Can I say things like that?
  • Can I say something, Hayasaki san?
  • Can I say over 100%?
  • - Can I say something crazy?

Alternatives:

  • May I say
  • Could I say
  • Am I allowed to say
  • Is it okay if I say
  • Do you mind if I say

may I say

This phrase is correct and more formal and polite than 'can I say'. It is often used to seek permission or make a polite suggestion.

Use 'may I say' in formal situations or when you want to be more polite in asking for permission or making a suggestion.

Examples:

  • May I say a few words?
  • May I say something?
  • May I say that I disagree?
  • May I say how I feel?
  • May I say what's on my mind?
  • In return may I say that I am also unhappy.
  • Sweetie, may I say something?
  • Firstly, may I say how lovely you're looking, and secondly, what an absolute pleasure it is to be on the show.
  • On competitiveness, may I say that is one of the prime considerations why we engaged in this whole exercise.
  • Sir, may I say I thoroughly enjoyed your performance.
  • Sir, may I say I thoroughly enjoyed your performance.
  • Thomas: Ms. Keating, may I say, we are beyond dismayed By the conduct you've exhibited here today.
  • And may I say what an honor it is to meet the loins of Rumancek - from which Peter sprung.
  • So may I say something, Edward?
  • Excuse me, may I say something?
  • Let it slip, but may I say, that was a stupendous shot.
  • And on that note, may I say, in confidence...
  • To conclude, may I say that, generally, what happened at the Extraordinary Council on 6 May was a very good beginning.
  • Firstly, may I say that I cannot answer for statements made by members of other parliaments, whoever or wherever they may be.
  • This being so, may I say how delighted I am that the agreement clearly refers to respect for fundamental human rights.
  • As my fifth point, may I say that there is a need for a strengthening of Frontex.
  • In reply to the Lisbon Treaty comment from my colleague Liam Aylward, may I say that, yes, inspections did cause a problem.
  • On behalf of my Group may I say that we emphatically support Mrs Uca's report and we congratulate the Commissioner on this gender strategy.
  • Mr President, may I say on my personal behalf that I have particularly appreciated these debates on human rights, especially the debate on Burma.
  • To close, may I say that the Commission accepts 9 amendments in full and another 19 in principle or in part.

Alternatives:

  • Can I say
  • Could I say
  • Am I allowed to say
  • Is it okay if I say
  • Do you mind if I say

Related Comparisons

can I say vs could I say I can say vs I can tell you may say vs you might say I would say vs I will say I can say vs Can I say

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!

×

💝 TextRanch Holidays Offer! 💝️

25% special discount
Stock up on credits for the entire year!

Grab this offer now!