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UK//meɪ aɪ ɑːsk wɒt//US//meɪ aɪ æsk wɑt//

Meaning of May I ask what

A polite way to introduce a question about something.

In simple words: Can I know what

May I ask what in a sentence

  • May I ask what your plans are for this weekend?
  • May I ask what the main topic of discussion will be?
  • During the interview, I said, 'May I ask what challenges you face?'
  • At the conference, a participant said, 'May I ask what inspired you to write this book?'

How to use May I ask what

Use in polite inquiries. Not suitable for informal conversations among friends.

Grammar pattern

standalone greeting

Memory hint

Think of it as a polite way to open a question, like opening a door to information.

Related words

Collocations with May I ask what

  • may I ask what your name is
  • may I ask what you think
  • may I ask what happened

Synonyms for May I ask what

  • Can I inquire what
  • May I know what
  • Could you tell me what

Common mistakes with May I ask what

  • Omitting 'I' and saying 'May ask what?'
  • Using 'Can I ask what?' in very formal settings
  • Not using a question mark at the end

May I ask what appears in

May I ask what in other languages

More chunks like May I ask what

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Frequently asked questions about May I ask what

What does May I ask what mean?

Can I know what

What is the definition of May I ask what?

A polite way to introduce a question about something.

How do you use May I ask what in a sentence?

May I ask what your plans are for this weekend?

Can you give another example of May I ask what?

May I ask what the main topic of discussion will be?

What are synonyms for May I ask what?

Common alternatives include Can I inquire what, May I know what, Could you tell me what.

What words go with May I ask what?

It commonly pairs with may I ask what your name is, may I ask what you think, may I ask what happened.

What are common mistakes when using May I ask what?

Omitting 'I' and saying 'May ask what?' Using 'Can I ask what?' in very formal settings Not using a question mark at the end

How do you pronounce May I ask what?

US: //meɪ aɪ æsk wɑt//, UK: //meɪ aɪ ɑːsk wɒt//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use May I ask what?

Use in polite inquiries. Not suitable for informal conversations among friends.