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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 • 577 views

Could I use the phrase

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

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?
  • 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it emphasizes how powerless this Parliament is if we are agreeing to discuss measures which have already been superseded.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

Can I use the word

This phrase is correct and commonly used when asking for permission to use a single 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?
  • 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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