If time permits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "If time permits" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that an action will be taken only if there is enough time available to do so. Example: "I will join the meeting if time permits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If time permits, have each group share some of the inspirational messages they listed.

The New York Times

If time permits, pilots are encouraged to show children the flight deck and offer them JetBlue trading cards.

The New York Times - Travel

If time permits, students may share their home page designs with each other in a future class.

The New York Times

If time permits, the class members might ask questions of the presenters as representatives of different nations.

The New York Times

(If time permits, each group could describe their tsunami's "path of destruction," using their visual representation as a guide).

The New York Times

If time permits, have pairs identify each of the geometric concepts on the drawn map they were given.

The New York Times

If time permits or in a future class period, each group should present and explain their diagrams to the class.

The New York Times

If time permits, take the equally venerable tram to the beach at Port de Sóller, for an additional fare of ¿3 (£2.10) each way.

Independent

If time permits, the route may include the Jordaan district, sort of a miniature Greenwich Village; the Anne Frank House or the West Church (Westkerk).

The New York Times - Travel

If time permits, collect a bucket of your perspiration and spread it liberally on the walls and ceiling with the paint roller provided (a.k.a. the pull-up bar).

The New Yorker

If time permits, don't miss a visit to nearby Utah Olympic Park about five miles north of Deer Valley (435-658-4200 or www.comparks.com).com

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning schedules, use "if time permits" to add flexibility, allowing for adjustments based on actual time consumption.

Common error

Avoid listing too many "if time permits" activities in a schedule, as this can create unrealistic expectations and disappointment if those activities are not completed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "If time permits" functions as an adverbial clause of condition. It modifies the main clause by setting a condition that must be met (sufficient time being available) for the action in the main clause to occur. Ludwig provides examples across diverse sources that show it is versatile in academic, informal and scientific environments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "If time permits" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express that an action is contingent on the availability of time. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears across various domains, including news, science, and general writing. It serves to add flexibility and indicate a secondary priority. When writing, be mindful not to over-promise activities dependent on time availability to avoid unmet expectations. Related phrases include "time allowing" and "if there's enough time".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

If there's enough time

Emphasizes the availability of time as a prerequisite.

Time allowing

A shorter, more informal way to express the same condition.

Provided time allows

Similar to "if time permits" but slightly more formal.

If time is available

Directly states the condition of time being accessible.

Should time allow

Expresses a possibility contingent on the time factor.

Depending on time

Highlights the dependency on the time resource.

As time allows

Suggests that the action will occur gradually with available time.

If we have time

Specifies that "we" need available time.

Contingent on time

Formal and emphasizes the dependency on the time constraint.

If the opportunity arises

More general; refers to opportunity, with time as an implied factor.

FAQs

How can I use "If time permits" in a sentence?

You can use "If time permits" to indicate that something will be done only if there is enough time. For example, "I will review the report, "if time permits"".

What are some alternatives to "If time permits"?

Some alternatives include "if there's enough time", "time allowing", or "should time allow" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "If time permitted" instead of "If time permits"?

Both "If time permits" and "If time permitted" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different implications. "If time permits" refers to present or future time, while "If time permitted" refers to a past situation.

What is the difference between "If time permits" and "If possible"?

"If time permits" specifically refers to the availability of time, whereas "if possible" is a more general condition that could refer to any kind of limitation or constraint, not just time.