May I go vs Shall I go

Both 'may I go' and 'shall I go' are correct phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'May I go' is more polite and formal, while 'shall I go' is considered old-fashioned and less commonly used in modern English. The choice between them depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last updated: April 04, 2024 • 115 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in polite and formal situations.

"May I go"

Use 'may I go' when you want to ask for permission to leave or to go somewhere. It is a polite and formal way to seek approval.

Examples:

May I go to the restroom, please?
May I go home early today?
May I go now or should I wait?
May I go ahead and start the meeting?
May I go with you to the party?

Show examples from the web [+]

May I go and dance, Mama?
May I go now, Miss Poldark?
May I go now, Captain Till?
Mother dear, May I go downtown
May I go now, Empress Chabi?
May I go pick up some yarn?
May I go to visit your factory?
May I go and show it to Petra?
May I go and get something in the house?
May I go to Granny's then?
May I go to the fights tonight?
May I go home, sir?
May I go home, "Sir-ji?"
May I go to the dormitory, Prefect?
May I go now, or would you like it from me too?
May I go and sit at the children's table?
Mother, may I go and play?
Sir, may I go first?
Mommy, may I go swimming?
Mister Suarez, may I go to the bathroom?

Alternatives:

Can I go
Could I go
Is it okay if I go
Am I allowed to go
Would it be possible for me to go

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in modern English. It is considered old-fashioned and formal.

"Shall I go"

Use 'shall I go' when you want to ask for permission or approval to leave or go somewhere. It is more formal and less common in everyday speech.

Examples:

Shall I go ahead and book the tickets?
Shall I go and inform the manager?
Shall I go now or wait for you?
Shall I go with you to the event?
Shall I go and check on the progress?

Show examples from the web [+]

Shall I go ask her then?
Shall I go to make-up and get dressed?
2 And David inquired of Jehovah, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And Jehovah said to David, Go and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
2 And David inquired of Jehovah, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And Jehovah said to David, Go and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
Shall I go on?
Shall I go outside and play?
Shall I go and beast them for you?
Shall I go to school, Mum?
Shall I go see if Renesmee's awake?
Shall I go with the veterans or with the farmers?
Shall I go ahead and edit one of the plugins, or are you able to change your function name on next release?
Chief, shall I go with Janvier?
Alien plant life, shall I go on?
~ Well, shall I go down and tell them?
Shall I go to find her?
Shall I go get the wheelchair?
Shall I go get her toy box?
Shall I go home and get my bullhorn?
Shall I go over and say something?
Shall I go on writing in the notebook?

Alternatives:

May I go
Can I go
Could I go
Is it okay if I go
Am I allowed to go

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May I go vs Shall I go

"May I go"

"Shall I go"

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