budget permitting

USAGE SUMMARY

'budget permitting' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something will be done, or can be done, depending on the availability of financial resources. For example: "We plan to go on vacation this summer, budget permitting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Some day, budget permitting, he will expand America's armed forces.

The Economist

You should buy what you like - budget permitting - but ask questions, and educate your eye.

The Guardian - Arts

Planning for a handicapped access is under way; budget permitting, the second item on his agenda has reached the help-wanted stage.

The New York Times

Modern costumes are generally equipped with exhaust fans that pump stale air out and fresh air in; in hot weather, performers may also be given wrap-around freezer packs to wear, budget permitting.

The New York Times

But instead, the Social Security account surplus is used as an excuse not to reduce the deficit in the regular budget, permitting the Budget Limitation Act to be met painlessly.

The New York Times

And, budget permitting, windows should be replaced with more energy-efficient double-paned glass and even Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass windows, which have a thin coating over the glass to further reduce ultraviolet rays, block infrared light and keep heat from escaping.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

My advice, if the budget permits, is to experience "El Nino" on consecutive nights (as I did on Friday and Saturday).

The New York Times - Arts

And the new office could expand to more than a dozen, if the budget permits, the SEC said.

The Washington Post

Ms. da Baca also advises women to make home modifications — incrementally, as one's budget permits — to increase the chances that you'll be able to stay there longer.

The New York Times

If your budget permits only free apps, you can get more, and better, information from ScoreMobile (on Android and Apple), but more on that later.

The New York Times - Tech

And, if budget permits, I advise them to book into one of the city's fine, though pricey top-tier hotels.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "budget permitting" to introduce a conditional element that is directly linked to financial constraints. Avoid using it as a mere filler phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "budget permitting" when the limiting factor is not actually the budget but rather time, resources, or other non-financial constraints. Use other alternatives in that case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "budget permitting" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by expressing a condition. It indicates under what financial circumstances an action is possible, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "budget permitting" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that adds a condition based on financial availability to a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various sources, particularly in news and media. Alternative phrases such as "if funds allow" or "subject to budgetary constraints" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. It's crucial to ensure that the limiting factor is indeed the budget and not other resources to avoid misuse. When used correctly, this phrase offers a concise and clear way to express financial contingency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if the budget allows

A more direct and slightly less formal way of saying the same thing.

if funds allow

This alternative directly emphasizes the condition of available funds.

contingent on budget availability

This alternative emphasizes the conditional nature based on budget availability.

subject to budgetary constraints

This is a more formal way of expressing the limitation imposed by the budget.

depending on financial resources

This phrase highlights the reliance on financial resources for a particular action.

funds being available

This alternative puts emphasis on the funds being present.

within budgetary limits

This focuses on staying inside the defined budget limits.

assuming budgetary approval

This alternative adds the nuance of awaiting budget approval.

financials allowing

A more concise and informal way of conveying the same conditional meaning.

resource allowing

This broadens the condition to any type of resources, not just financial.

FAQs

How can I use "budget permitting" in a sentence?

You can use "budget permitting" to indicate that something will happen only if there are sufficient funds available. For example, "We plan to expand our marketing campaign, "budget permitting"."

What is a more formal alternative to "budget permitting"?

A more formal alternative would be "subject to budgetary constraints" or "contingent on budget availability". These phrases are suitable for business or academic writing.

What does "budget permitting" actually mean?

The phrase "budget permitting" means that something is dependent on the availability of funds. It suggests that a plan or action is conditional and can only proceed if the necessary financial resources are in place.

Is it correct to say "budgets permitting" instead of "budget permitting"?

While "budgets permitting" is grammatically acceptable, "budget permitting" is more commonly used and generally preferred. "Budgets permitting" might be used when referring to multiple distinct budgets, but this is less common.