Could I use the phrase vs Can I use the word

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Could I use the phrase?' is more commonly used when asking for permission to use a specific set of words or expression, while 'Can I use the word?' is used when asking for permission to use a single word.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 690 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when asking for permission to use a specific set of words or expression.

"Could I use the phrase"

This phrase is used when asking for permission to use a specific set of words or expression in a sentence or conversation.

Examples:

Could I use the phrase 'once in a blue moon' in my essay?
Could I use the phrase 'break a leg' in this context?

Show examples from the web [+]

That is why the Daphne programme is so important to us, not only because - if I could use the phrase - it was our own child, but also because we see the importance of its effect on a global scale.
When I use the phrase 'corridors of power in Brussels', it emphasizes how powerless this Parliament is if we are agreeing to discuss measures which have already been superseded.
We are living in a skeptical and, if I may use the phrase, a thought-tormented age.
The Commissioner uses the phrase 'less ambitious'.
I heard my dads use the phrase "star quality" before, but I never truly understood it until that moment.
Plus he's only 25, and earlier I heard him use the phrase, back in the day.
We want, if I can use the phrase, to see disability.
In the French version the Commission's initial text uses the phrase 'sans distinction de race ou d' origine ethnique'.
The Belgian Post Office still uses the phrase from abroad when notifying bank transfers from other European countries.
The Council and the rapporteur use the phrase 'macro-financial assistance to Ukraine'.We think this should instead be called disgraceful financial blackmail.
Schmidt, in my professional opinion, you have definitely earned the rank of - and I will use the phrase you coined - va-genius.
We must put a stop to the practice whereby each of the most important EU institutions acts in this area in some sense, if I may use the phrase, on its own initiative.
We have been listening to this sort of thing for months and we could use the phrases to produce templates.
Just do me a favor and don't use the phrase "choad juggler" around the house.
I use that phrase because you, Mr President, used the phrase 'work patterns' rather than 'a shorter working week'.
Madam President, it is with regard to Amendment No 32 in which the English uses the phrase "may use works" and the Swedish uses "tillgång till" [literally "access to"].
Before I met Mr Cornelissen I had been known to use the phrase that we employ sometimes in English 'double Dutch' and to use it in a rather derogatory fashion in order to signify confused communication.
Member States can open up a scientific assessment if they use the phrase 'serious grounds for supposing the product presents a risk to public health', which is the only way a product can be refused mutual recognition.
The erratum uses the phrase 'discuss the European Parliament's participation', while the original text says 'support' such participation.
And we haven't ordered cocktails, in that case, we use the phrase

Alternatives:

May I use the phrase
Is it okay if I use the phrase
Am I allowed to use the phrase
Would it be acceptable to use the phrase
Is it permissible to use the phrase

This phrase is correct and commonly used when asking for permission to use a single word.

"Can I use the word"

This phrase is used when asking for permission to use a single word in a sentence or conversation.

Examples:

Can I use the word 'ubiquitous' in my presentation?
Can I use the word 'delicious' to describe this dish?

Show examples from the web [+]

I stress that I use the words 'first review' on purpose.
But I use the word top loosely.
I use the word "want." Technology wants.
Your use the word literally disgusts me.
I know I use the word "empowering" a lot, but this time, it really is that.
I use the words 'marking' very carefully because I do not think we can celebrate the tenth anniversary of the first Earth Summit.
The pirates are systematically doing I use the word, it's an anachronism market research.
But when I use the word frame, don't think of it in a negative sense.
And I use the word "relationship" very loosely.
But when I use the word frame, don't think of it in a negative sense.
And it's in that context I use the word suicide.
Now I use the word 'ask' with some care.
And it's in that context I use the word suicide.
The pirates are systematically doing I use the word, it's an anachronism market research.
And I use the word "yet".
I hesitate to call it the Windows because that produces rather unfortunate competitive issues these days but those of you who are software experts will know what I mean when I use the word "Linux".
When I use the word 'we', I would like to make it clear that I also want to include my fellow rapporteur, Mr Cashman, with whom I have worked closely.
I use the words 'what are considered more environmentally acceptable alternatives' advisedly since I personally do not have much faith in the hierarchy of waste management alternatives.
Actually though, I use the word small, but I should say large as you are the largest number to listen to me.
I know I use the word "empowering" a lot, but this time, it really is that.

Alternatives:

May I use the word
Is it okay if I use the word
Am I allowed to use the word
Would it be acceptable to use the word
Is it permissible to use the word

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Could I use the phrase vs Can I use the word