May I ask? vs Can I ask?

Both "May I ask?" and "Can I ask?" are correct and commonly used in English. They are polite ways to request permission to ask a question. The choice between them depends on personal preference or formality.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1318 views

May I ask?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to politely request permission to ask a question.

This phrase is a polite way to ask if you can pose a question. It is commonly used in formal or polite settings.

Show examples from the web [+]

How many have you had, may I ask?
On what grounds, may I ask?
What was our relationship, may I ask?
And how long has this guild been in existence, may I ask?
Why not, may I ask?
And where, may I ask?
In what way, may I ask?
- Why, may I ask?
About what, may I ask? No.
What do you do for a living, may I ask?
How did he pass, may I ask?
- And what exactly did I say, may I ask?
So how did you get hooked up with these guys, may I ask?
And why is that, may I ask?
About what, may I ask?
And who are "they", may I ask? -The company.
In what capacity, may I ask?
In what business were you, may I ask?
And what paper are you on, may I ask?
Is there no great literary production in those countries, may I ask?

Alternatives:

Can I ask?

Can I ask?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to politely request permission to ask a question.

This phrase is a polite way to ask if you can pose a question. It is commonly used in both formal and informal settings.

Alternatives:

May I ask?

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May I ask? vs Can I ask?

May I ask?

Can I ask?

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