if there is time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if there is time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation in which a particular action or event may occur if there is enough time. For example: If there is time, we can go for a walk after dinner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Turn off electrical equipment if there is time.

Columbia University

3.Cool and, if there is time, chill.

The New York Times - Style

And if there is time for an overnight, even better.

The New York Times

Allow the chicken to cool in the broth if there is time.

The New York Times - Health

If there is time, cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours.

The New York Times

Now, in catastrophe, if there is time enough, it is there in our dying moments.

The Guardian

(12) If there is time after a regularly scheduled conference, hold a listening critique.

Harvard Business Review

If there is time, I will cycle around where I live in Yorkshire.

The Guardian

"My role, if there is time, would be more as an adviser," he said.

The New York Times

He also says he heads outside if there is time during airport layovers.

The New York Times

I also prepare a secondary list of about 5-10 additional questions that I can ask if there is time.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if there is time" to indicate that an action is contingent on having sufficient time, adding flexibility to plans or instructions.

Common error

While acceptable, overuse of "if there is time" can make writing sound less formal. Consider using alternatives like "time permitting" or "should time permit" in professional communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if there is time" functions as an adverbial clause of condition, indicating that the execution of the main clause depends on whether sufficient time is available. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

13%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if there is time" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express contingency based on the availability of time. Ludwig AI validates its usability in various contexts. While versatile, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives such as "time permitting" or "should time permit". It appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources, so, be mindful of the overall tone and register of your writing. Remember that being direct and setting actionable steps is better than depending on the availability of someone's time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time permitting

A more concise way to say if enough time is available.

if time allows

Similar in meaning but uses "allows" instead of "is".

should time permit

A more formal way of expressing the same condition.

if we have time

Specifies the actors involved.

provided there's time

Uses "provided" to introduce the conditional.

depending on the time available

Focuses on the "availability" of time.

as time permits

Similar to "time permitting" but slightly more verbose.

if the opportunity arises

Shifts the focus from time to opportunity.

when time is available

Highlights the condition of time being available.

assuming there's enough time

Emphasizes the assumption of having sufficient time.

FAQs

How can I use "if there is time" in a sentence?

You can use "if there is time" to indicate a conditional action, such as, "If there is time, we will review the report before the meeting."

What is a more concise way to say "if there is time"?

A more concise alternative is "time permitting", which conveys the same meaning in fewer words.

How does "if there is time" compare to "when there's time"?

"If there is time" implies a condition that may or may not be met, whereas "when there's time" /s/when+there's+time suggests an expectation that time will eventually become available.

What are some formal alternatives to "if there is time"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "should time permit" or provided there's time, which sound more professional and polished.