Space permitting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "space permitting" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is dependent on the availability of space. Example: Applicants are allowed to bring one guest to the ceremony, space permitting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Space permitting, I intend to mention the F-word later.

The Guardian

Space permitting, most stations received new exercise equipment to meet a general standard of two cardio-machines (e.g., treadmill, rowing ergometer, stationary bike), strength equipment (e.g., benches, dumbbells, etc)., and functional movement equipment (e.g., multi-function cable gym).

Injury Epidemiology

(Space permitting).

F1000Research

The event is open to the public, space permitting.

The New York Times

Registered attendees may attend daytime panels, and nighttime concerts, space permitting.

The New York Times - Arts

The cost is $150 for two classes, $80 for one (space permitting).

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The cast is big and makes room for lots of participants, who all would be listed here if space permitted.

The New York Times - Arts

And no, Berlioz wasn't kidding when he added, "If space permits, the chorus may be doubled or tripled and the orchestra proportionately increased".

The New York Times - Arts

As soon as Customs space permits, the program is expected to be expanded to five days a week at the Port of Miami, and other airlines and cruise lines are expected to take part, a port spokesman said.

The New York Times - Travel

That individualized assessment of information space permits self-referential, self-organizing niche construction.

Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology

The polynomial basis of the new discrete space permits us to approximate the solution and the leading singularity coefficient.

Boundary Value Problems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "space permitting" to concisely indicate that an action or event is dependent on the availability of physical space or capacity. It is commonly used in announcements, invitations, or instructions where space constraints might apply.

Common error

Avoid using "space permitting" if you are certain that space is, or is not, available. The phrase implies uncertainty. If space is guaranteed, state it directly. If space is definitely unavailable, do not suggest otherwise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "space permitting" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a condition or limitation on the action described in the main clause. It specifies that the action is contingent on the availability of space. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used. Examples on Ludwig show it modifying event attendance or equipment allocation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "space permitting" is a common and correct adverbial phrase used to express that an event or action is conditional on the availability of physical space. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a valid and useful phrase in written English. Examples from Ludwig indicate that "space permitting" sees frequent usage in news articles, scientific papers, and formal announcements. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly involves limitations of physical space or capacity. Alternatives include "if space allows" or "subject to space availability". Remember to avoid using "space permitting" when the availability of space is already certain. The phrase is suitable for neutral to formal registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if space allows

Replaces 'permitting' with the more common verb 'allows'.

depending on space

Simplifies the phrase while retaining the core meaning.

subject to space availability

Rephrases the condition more formally, emphasizing the uncertainty.

provided space is available

Uses 'provided' to introduce the condition.

if there is room

Uses a more colloquial term ('room') for space.

contingent on available space

Emphasizes the conditional nature with a formal tone.

as long as space is free

Uses 'free' to describe available space.

given sufficient space

Highlights that the space needs to be enough.

assuming space is open

Employs 'open' as an alternative term for available space.

where space is adequate

Replaces 'permitting' with 'adequate' implying sufficiency.

FAQs

How do I use "space permitting" in a sentence?

Use "space permitting" to indicate that something will happen only if there is enough physical space available. For example, "Additional guests are welcome, "space permitting"" means more guests can come if there's enough room.

What's an alternative to saying "space permitting"?

You can use phrases like "if space allows", "subject to space availability", or "depending on space" as alternatives to "space permitting". These phrases all convey that something depends on there being enough room.

Is it correct to say "time and space permitting"?

Yes, "time and "space permitting"" is a valid expression. It indicates that something depends on both the availability of time and physical space. For instance, "We'll discuss further details, time and "space permitting"".

Can "space permitting" be used for digital storage as well?

While primarily used for physical space, ""space permitting"" can sometimes be extended metaphorically to digital storage or other capacity limits. However, it's generally clearer to use more specific terms like "storage capacity permitting" in such cases.