May I please take your leave?

[Vishvajeetchatterjee]

I want to know that when we depart from a social gathering / party / conference, if we say "may I please take your leave", is that correct. Please let me know what to say during these occasions. Thanking you in advance.

[Inga]

I think it is possible, but I am not sure. I looked into my dictionaries and found the following:
take leave of somebody/take your leave - formal to say goodbye to someone.
But I can't understand why we can't just say 'may I leave you'?
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I am an incurable optimist.

[Jamie (K)]

"May I please take your leave" is very formal, and very archaic, so it may invite a little laughter, especially if an Indian says it, because Indians already have a reputation for using very archaic, excessively formal English sometimes.

One good thing to say would be, "I'm sorry (or I apologize), but I have to be going now (or I need to leave now)," after which it is socially obligatory to offer a reason, even if the reason is untrue or silly. In English-speaking society we always offer an excuse in that situation, rather than just saying we have to leave.

[Torsten]

Hi Jamie,

Can you please give an example of such a silly or untrue reason?

Thanks,
Torsten
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Jamie (K)]

"I've just realized I left my keys in my car," when it's not true.

"I have a client meeting," when it's not true.

"My son's school just called," when it's not true.

"I think I left the stove on," when it's not true.

There are potentially millions of silly or untrue reasons.

[Vishvajeetchatterjee]

Dear Torsten,

I would like to convey my thanks to Ms. Inga and Ms. Jamie for their posts which I find quite informative. Still, I would request you to please let me know when we can say "May I take your leave" and what are the appropriate sentences which could be used apart for the above posts.

Thanks in advance.

Vishvajeet Chatterjee

[Vishvajeetchatterjee]

Dear Torsten,

I would also like to know the meaning of "screwed up" as quoted by newly elected President Obama.

Thanks in advance.

Vishvajeet Chatterjee

[Torsten]

Dear Vishvajeet Chatterjee,

I think the phrase 'May I take your leave' is no longer used in modern spoken English so you will find it in historic novels only.

Best regards,
Torsten
_________________
Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Vishvajeetchatterjee]

Dear Torsten,

I thank you profusely for your prompt reply and proper explanation. Now, I have no doubts about it.

Please let me know about the term 'screwed up' at your convenience.

Thanks and best regards.

Vishvajeet Chatterjee

[Torsten]

Screwed up is a slang expression that means 'messed up'. Where did you come across this expression?
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Jamie (K)]