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UK//meɪ aɪ kʌm ɪn//US//meɪ aɪ kʌm ɪn//

Meaning of May I come in

A polite request to be allowed to enter a space.

In simple words: A polite way to ask to enter a room.

May I come in in a sentence

  • May I come in? I have something important to discuss.
  • When you finish your meeting, may I come in to talk about my project?
  • She knocked gently and asked, 'May I come in?'
  • At the job interview, I said, 'May I come in?' before entering the office.
  • In a respectful manner, he asked, 'May I come in to speak with you?'

How to use May I come in

Use this phrase when you need permission to enter, usually in formal or semi-formal situations. Avoid using it in very casual contexts where asking isn’t necessary.

Grammar pattern

standalone greeting

Memory hint

Think of 'may' as needing permission, like asking, 'Can I?'.

Related words

Collocations with May I come in

  • knock on the door
  • ask for permission
  • wait for a response

Synonyms for May I come in

  • Can I come in
  • May I enter
  • Is it okay to enter
  • Am I allowed in

Common mistakes with May I come in

  • Omitting 'May' and saying 'I come in' which sounds too direct.
  • Using 'might' instead of 'may', which is less formal.
  • Not waiting for a response before entering.

May I come in appears in

May I come in in other languages

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Frequently asked questions about May I come in

What does May I come in mean?

A polite way to ask to enter a room.

What is the definition of May I come in?

A polite request to be allowed to enter a space.

How do you use May I come in in a sentence?

May I come in? I have something important to discuss.

Can you give another example of May I come in?

When you finish your meeting, may I come in to talk about my project?

What are synonyms for May I come in?

Common alternatives include Can I come in, May I enter, Is it okay to enter, Am I allowed in.

What words go with May I come in?

It commonly pairs with knock on the door, ask for permission, wait for a response.

What are common mistakes when using May I come in?

Omitting 'May' and saying 'I come in' which sounds too direct. Using 'might' instead of 'may', which is less formal. Not waiting for a response before entering.

How do you pronounce May I come in?

US: //meɪ aɪ kʌm ɪn//, UK: //meɪ aɪ kʌm ɪn//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use May I come in?

Use this phrase when you need permission to enter, usually in formal or semi-formal situations. Avoid using it in very casual contexts where asking isn’t necessary.