May I take this opportunity to
Formal business communication expression
Use this to sound professional and respectful when introducing a specific point in formal situations.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to introduce a new topic in formal settings.
- Commonly used for thanking, congratulating, or introducing someone.
- Best reserved for business, ceremonies, or very respectful correspondence.
Signification
This is a polite way to introduce a specific topic or action while you already have someone's attention. It's like saying, 'Since we are already talking, I want to say this important thing now.'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Ending a business meeting
May I take this opportunity to thank everyone for their hard work.
May I take this opportunity to thank everyone for their hard work.
Giving a wedding toast
May I take this opportunity to welcome the bride's family.
May I take this opportunity to welcome the bride's family.
Writing a formal resignation letter
May I take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the mentorship provided.
May I take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the mentorship provided.
Contexte culturel
This expression is rooted in high-formality British English and parliamentary procedures. It became a standard 'buffer phrase' in business to soften requests or expressions of gratitude. It reflects the Western professional value of acknowledging the current social context before delivering a specific message.
The 'I'd Like' Alternative
If 'May I' feels too stiff, use 'I'd like to take this opportunity to'. It's 10% less formal but still very professional.
Don't Overuse It
Using this more than once in a single speech or email makes you sound repetitive. Save it for your most important point.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to introduce a new topic in formal settings.
- Commonly used for thanking, congratulating, or introducing someone.
- Best reserved for business, ceremonies, or very respectful correspondence.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a polite bridge. You are already in a conversation or a meeting. You want to shift the focus slightly to say something important. It sounds very professional and respectful. It shows you value the other person's time. You are basically asking for a tiny bit of space to share a thought. It is the verbal equivalent of a gentle tap on a glass before a toast.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the start of your sentence. Follow it with an action verb like thank, congratulate, or introduce. For example: May I take this opportunity to thank you. It works best when there is a natural pause in the flow. Don't rush it. Let the words breathe. It makes you sound like a polished professional who knows exactly what to say. It is perfect for emails, speeches, or formal introductions.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be extra polite. It is great for business emails after a successful project. Use it during a wedding toast or an award ceremony. It works well when meeting a high-level executive for the first time. If you are writing a cover letter, this phrase adds a touch of class. It shows you understand social etiquette. It is the 'suit and tie' of English phrases.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your best friends at a bar. It will sound like you are reading a legal contract. Avoid it when you are in a hurry or texting. If you use it while ordering pizza, the cashier will be very confused. It is too heavy for casual, everyday chatter. If the vibe is 'jeans and t-shirt,' leave this phrase at home. You don't want to sound like a robot at a party.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from a long tradition of British formal etiquette. It reflects a culture that values indirectness and politeness. In the past, jumping straight to the point was seen as rude. You needed a 'buffer' to introduce your main point. Today, it remains a staple in international business English. It creates a sense of occasion and importance. It signals that what follows is sincere and well-thought-out.
Common Variations
If you want to sound slightly less formal, try I'd like to take this opportunity to. It is still professional but feels a bit warmer. Another version is I want to use this moment to. For a very short version, just say I’d like to. If you are feeling very fancy, you can say Allow me to take this opportunity. Each variation changes the 'temperature' of the conversation slightly. Pick the one that fits your outfit!
Notes d'usage
This phrase sits at the highest level of professional register. Avoid using it in casual settings to prevent appearing cold or overly stiff.
The 'I'd Like' Alternative
If 'May I' feels too stiff, use 'I'd like to take this opportunity to'. It's 10% less formal but still very professional.
Don't Overuse It
Using this more than once in a single speech or email makes you sound repetitive. Save it for your most important point.
The Politeness Buffer
In English-speaking cultures, we often use 'buffer phrases' like this to avoid appearing too aggressive or direct in business.
Exemples
6May I take this opportunity to thank everyone for their hard work.
May I take this opportunity to thank everyone for their hard work.
A classic way to close a session with gratitude.
May I take this opportunity to welcome the bride's family.
May I take this opportunity to welcome the bride's family.
Adds a sense of ceremony and importance to the welcome.
May I take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the mentorship provided.
May I take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the mentorship provided.
Keeps the bridge open and remains highly professional.
May I take this opportunity to suggest you finally do your laundry?
May I take this opportunity to suggest you finally do your laundry?
The high formality creates a funny contrast with the casual topic.
May I take this opportunity to thank my parents for their support.
May I take this opportunity to thank my parents for their support.
Standard phrase for public speaking and acceptance speeches.
May I take this opportunity to introduce our new service line.
May I take this opportunity to introduce our new service line.
Softens the sales pitch by making it sound like a polite update.
Teste-toi
Choose the best verb to complete this formal sentence.
May I take this opportunity to ___ you on your recent promotion.
`Congratulate` matches the high formality of the opening phrase perfectly.
Identify the most appropriate setting for this phrase.
___ is the best place to use 'May I take this opportunity to...'
This phrase is designed for public speaking and formal professional environments.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale
Talking to friends
I just want to say...
Office chat
I'd like to mention...
Business Email
I would like to take this opportunity to...
Official Speech
May I take this opportunity to...
When to Use the Phrase
Award Ceremony
...thank the committee.
Business Email
...introduce our CEO.
Wedding Toast
...congratulate the couple.
Networking
...give you my card.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is very common in formal writing, especially in cover letters or official announcements like May I take this opportunity to welcome our new partners.
You can, but May I is more grammatically correct for asking permission and sounds much more professional.
Yes, it is a great way to show respect when you are bringing up a new topic or thanking them for a bonus.
It is almost always followed by an infinitive verb like to thank, to congratulate, to introduce, or to clarify.
It is traditional, but not 'old-fashioned' in a bad way. It is still the gold standard for formal business etiquette.
Only if you are being intentionally funny or sarcastic. Otherwise, it is way too formal for a quick text.
By the way is casual and for side-thoughts. May I take this opportunity is formal and for important, central points.
Yes, May I take this moment to is a common and slightly more poetic variation often used in speeches.
No, you don't need a comma. The phrase flows directly into the verb, such as May I take this opportunity to invite you...
In formal English, longer phrases often signal more respect and give the listener time to prepare for the main message.
Expressions liées
I would like to
A standard formal way to express a desire or intention.
Allow me to
A very formal way to ask for permission to do something.
If I may
A short, polite interjection used to interrupt or add a point.
On behalf of
Used when you are speaking for a group or another person.
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