May I......?

Everyday, some teachers and prefects will come to my class and ask for permission to see someone. Their requests are as follows:

Excuse me, may I find John Lee?
Good morning, may I look for Mee Chun?
Teacher, may I meet Tiffany Wong?
Sir, may I have a meeting with Sue Ann?
Mr. Lo, I want to find Lee Ling.
Mr. Lo, I want to look for Mohd. Khairul now.
Sir, may I seek for Mary?

However, interrupting a class in order to "seek", "find", "look for" or request a "meeting" with someone does sound very strange indeed. It makes you wonder whether there's a huge game of hide-and-seek going on in the school.

"May I" is a polite way of prefixing a request, but in my opinion a mite too stilted and formal for the occasion. A better alternative would be: "Excuse me for interrupting, Mr Lo, but can I see/talk to John/Mary/Tiffany for a moment? I won't take too long."

Do you agree with me?

Comments

Coffee Girl said…
"May I marry you?" ... you're right, sounds so formal. ;P
July 24, 2011 at 11:55 PM
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