as time allows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as time allows" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something will be done when there is sufficient time available. Example: "I will review your proposal as time allows, so please be patient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

I'll add more thoughts and context here as time allows.

The New York Times

Why or why not?" Put as many of the responses on the board as time allows.

The New York Times

Put as many of their responses on the board as time allows.

The New York Times

Dredge chicken in yogurt mixture and marinate 5 to 60 minutes, as time allows.

The New York Times - Food

And second, win them as much breathing room as time allows".

The New York Times - Magazine

That's when the actors flee to the smoking station and puff as many cigarettes as time allows.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

But as time allowed sorrow to replace bitterness, I settle on a stormy end to a stormy life.

The New York Times

A musician would enter the first car and play as much of the prelude as time allowed.

The New York Times

In the old days, staff members in the nine-branch Santa Cruz Public Library System would destroy discarded paperwork as time allowed, typically once a week.

The New York Times

One day, Campbell took me on a quick tour of the sort that he has often been called upon to give since his appointment, and made a point of being as eclectic as time allowed.

The New Yorker

In Clinic 2, MSK screening was more ad hoc due to funding issues and was done by one of the active surgeons as time allowed.

Human Resources for Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as time allows" when you want to indicate that an action will be performed when sufficient time is available, without making a firm commitment to a specific timeline. This is particularly useful in professional or academic settings where schedules can be unpredictable.

Common error

While "as time allows" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Frequent repetition can make your communication seem noncommittal or lacking in urgency. Consider using more specific timeframes or alternative phrases to add clarity and variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as time allows" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the condition under which an action will be performed. It specifies that the action depends on the availability of time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

30%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as time allows" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that indicates an action will be performed when sufficient time is available. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this, highlighting its prevalence across various contexts such as news, science, and general writing. While it's a versatile phrase, it's important to be mindful of potential overuse and to consider more specific alternatives for formal or urgent communication. Its widespread acceptance and clear meaning make it a valuable tool for expressing conditional intentions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when time permits

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes permission or possibility based on available time.

as time permits

Similar to "when time permits", but slightly more concise and commonly used.

when schedule allows

This phrase focuses on the schedule as the determining factor for availability.

subject to time availability

A more formal and explicit way of saying that something depends on whether there is enough time.

if time is available

This version presents time availability as a conditional factor.

depending on time constraints

Highlights the limitations imposed by time, rather than simply its availability.

as opportunity arises

Shifts the focus from time to the broader concept of opportunity.

at your convenience

This shifts the control of timing to the listener or reader.

in due course

Suggests that something will happen eventually without specifying the role of time constraints.

when feasible

Focuses on the practical possibility of doing something, which may include time but also other factors.

FAQs

How can I use "as time allows" in a sentence?

You can use "as time allows" to indicate that an action will be performed when there is sufficient time available. For example, "I will review your proposal "as time allows", so please be patient."

What can I say instead of "as time allows"?

You can use alternatives like "when time permits", "as time permits", or "when schedule allows" depending on the context.

Is it too informal to use "as time allows" in professional emails?

While generally acceptable, "as time allows" can sometimes be perceived as slightly informal. For professional emails, consider alternatives such as "subject to time availability" or specifying a timeframe if possible.

What is the difference between "as time allows" and "when time is available"?

Both phrases express the same general idea, but ""as time allows"" is a more concise and common idiom. "If time is available" is slightly more formal and direct.