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KhoshtipMan Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

Asking questions using may/might

Is this sentence correct?

To whom, might I ask, am I speaking?

I think it should be:
To whom, might I ask, I'm speaking?
  

Top answer

The second one is incorrect. The first one is correct English, but it is more formal than you would usually hear in conversation. " would be usual.

— GPY

  • The second one is incorrect.
  • The first one is correct English, but it is more formal than you would usually hear in conversation.
  • " would be usual.
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14 Answers
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The second one is incorrect.

The first one is correct English, but it is more formal than you would usually hear in conversation. "Who am I speaking to, please?" would be usual.
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GPYThe first one is correct English
What about these please?

Might I ask to whom I'm speaking?
May I ask what your name is?
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KhoshtipManMight I ask to whom I'm speaking? May I ask what your name is?
These are correct English. The first one is a bit more formal than you would typically hear in everyday conversation.
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GPYThe first one is correct English, but it is more formal than you would usually hear in conversation.
And because it is unusually elaborate for everyday use, it may actually come across as sarcastic or deliberately condescending, depending somewhat on tone of voice.
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Thanks for the replies. But I don't understand, sorry!

You say this is incorrect: To whom, might I ask, I'm speaking?
but this one is correct: Might I ask to whom I'm speaking?

Why, just because of the words order? They seem completely alike.
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KhoshtipManThanks for the replies. But I don't understand, sorry!You say this is incorrect: To whom, might I ask, I'm speaking?but this one is correct: Might I ask to whom I'm speaking?Why, just because of the words order? They seem completely alike.
I can see how it might be confusing.

In "To whom, might I ask, am I speaking?", the words "migh
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KhoshtipManYou say this is incorrect: To whom, might I ask, I'm speaking?but this one is correct: Might I ask to whom I'm speaking?
Do you realise that your suggestions are stilted examples of English?
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More common is
eg
Who's speaking, please?
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CliveMore common is eg Who's speaking, please?
Just a usage note ... it might be just me, but I would only use this when someone unknown called me. If I called a number and didn't know who answered, I would use my earlier suggestion of "Who am I speaking to, please?".
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GPYIf I called a number and didn't know who answered, I would use my earlier suggestion of "Who am I speaking to, please?".
I guess I'm not as polite. I'd just ask "Who is this?" or "Who are you?"
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