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May I speak with vs May speak to

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'May I speak with' is commonly used when asking for permission to talk to someone, especially in formal situations. On the other hand, 'may speak to' is less common and may be used in more direct or assertive situations.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 1449 views

May I speak with

This phrase is correct and commonly used when asking for permission to talk to someone, especially in formal situations.

This phrase is used to politely request to have a conversation with someone. It is often used in more formal settings or when showing respect.

Examples:

  • May I speak with the manager, please?
  • May I speak with you for a moment?
  • May I speak with John about the project?
  • May I speak with your supervisor?
  • May I speak with the person in charge?
  • May I speak with Mark Schultz?
  • May I speak with him, Treves?
  • 'May I speak with Nurse Beatrix Franklin, please?'
  • May I speak with Lady Sarah, please?
  • May I speak with the servant Who took the instrument?
  • Jane, may I speak with Mr. Yordy?
  • May I speak with agent Wayne?
  • May I speak with Miss Olson?
  • May I speak with Professor Pinnock, please?
  • May I speak with her, professor?
  • May I speak with Lt. Worf?
  • May I speak with you, my Lady?
  • May I speak with Ollie privately?
  • May I speak with a Mr. Ted Mosby?
  • May I speak with you in the "stop openly contradicting me" room, please?
  • Senior Reyes, may I speak with you?
  • Captain, may I speak with him?
  • Hello, may I speak with Marshall Eriksen?
  • Peggy, may I speak with you?
  • detective, may I speak with Mr. Caffrey, please?

Alternatives:

  • Can I talk to
  • Could I have a word with
  • Is it possible to have a conversation with
  • Would it be alright to speak with
  • Am I able to discuss with

May speak to

This phrase is correct but less common. It may be used in more direct or assertive situations.

This phrase can be used to assertively state the intention to speak to someone. It may be less polite or formal compared to 'may I speak with.'

Examples:

  • I may speak to the manager directly.
  • He may speak to the team about the new project.
  • She may speak to the authorities about the issue.
  • You may speak to the person in charge if needed.
  • They may speak to the customer directly.
  • Jan 4, 2015 ... Sole Survivor Of Plane Crash In Kentucky May Speak To Safety Officials. By J.J. McGrath @JJMcGrath3000 j.mcgrath@ibtimes.com on January ...
  • Suffer me that I may speak,.... To go on with his discourse, without any interruption, until he had finished it; as he before craves their attention, here he entreats ...
  • May 2, 2014 ... Donald Sterling's past may speak to a present course with NBA. Rochelle and Donald Sterling. Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times. Rochelle ...
  • Dec 2, 2014 ... EPA Clarifies How Advisers May Speak To Media Amid Transparency Concerns. From Daily Environment Report™. FREE TRIAL. By Anthony ...

Alternatives:

  • I will talk to
  • He is going to address
  • She plans to discuss with
  • You can communicate with
  • They are going to have a conversation with

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