as time permits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as time permits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action will be taken when there is enough time available to do so. Example: "I will review your proposal as time permits, so please be patient while I manage my other commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

This process is repeated as time permits.

Yale University

And to have fun with jets as time permits.

The New York Times

I'll be poking my nose into those as time permits.

The Guardian

I may discuss some additional topics as time permits.

University of California, Berkeley

Other topics may be included as time permits.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

New chapters will be added as time permits.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

During World War II, when both were in the army, they continued as time permitted.

The New York Times

As soon as time permitted, the reporter – whose reference had come from a book – spoke to judges and lawyers and replied, "indeed the reader is right".

The Guardian - Opinion

Though the company told shareholders that it regularly reviewed all holdings, the S.E.C. determined that the company's social research department merely reviewed holdings "as time permitted".

The New York Times

Mr. Rosenberg said he would continue to appear as time permitted alongside Southside Johnny Lyon, including on some projects "outside of the Juke world".

The New York Times - Arts

Over the next few years, Schlick and Wittgenstein met as time permitted, carrying on philosophical discussions ranging over a broad array of topics, from the idea of geometry as syntax, to verificationist and operationalist theories of meaning, topics in logic and mathematics, and even solipsism.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as time permits" when you want to indicate that an action will be completed when you have sufficient time available, without promising a specific deadline. This is especially useful in situations where your schedule is unpredictable.

Common error

Avoid using "as time permits" too frequently in formal communication, as it can sound noncommittal or suggest a lack of prioritization. Opt for more specific timelines or alternative expressions like "when feasible" or "when possible" if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as time permits" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the condition under which an action will occur. Ludwig shows many examples of this usage across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

60%

News & Media

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as time permits" is a common and correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that an action will be undertaken when sufficient time is available. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples from academic, news, and scientific sources indicates that it is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to use it judiciously and consider more specific timelines when possible. The AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Consider alternatives like "when time allows" or "when feasible", depending on the context, to avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as time allows

This alternative is nearly identical in meaning and formality.

when time allows

This alternative is similar in meaning but slightly more concise and informal.

when I have time

This alternative is a more direct and personal way of expressing the same idea.

if time is available

This alternative uses a conditional structure to emphasize the uncertainty of having time.

when feasible

This alternative focuses on possibility and practicality rather than specifically time.

depending on time availability

This alternative emphasizes the dependence of the action on whether time is available.

as opportunity arises

This alternative emphasizes taking advantage of chances as they occur.

as circumstances allow

This alternative broadens the condition to include any relevant circumstances, not just time.

subject to time constraints

This alternative highlights the limiting factor of time.

at my convenience

This alternative focuses on personal preference and scheduling, more than just available time.

FAQs

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

Use "as time permits" to indicate that something will be done when there is enough time. For example, "I will review the document "as time permits"."

What does "as time permits" mean?

"As time permits" means that an action will be taken or a task will be completed when there is sufficient time available to do so.

Which is correct, "as time permits" or "as time allowed"?

Both "as time permits" and "as time allows" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the specific context.

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

You can use alternatives like "when time allows", "as opportunity arises", or "when feasible" depending on the context.