if there is time left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'if there is time left' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something may be possible if there is sufficient time remaining. For example, "We'll tackle the extra project, if there is time left after we complete the regular tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Off-farm work among farm families has become so important that one can question the conventional view that work time is first allocated to farming and then, if there is time left, to off-farm work [8].

Health Economics Review

The clock advances of the simulated "time to remission" and a test is performed to check if there is time left to continue the simulation (according to the fixed time horizon) or not.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If there's time left on the West Coast, does it even need to happen there?

The New Yorker

If there was time left, I would try on a jacket.

The New York Times

When you finish that section, you can come back to questions you skipped if there's time left.

WikiHow

If it has a meter, there must be time left on it, because our outfits don't have pockets for change.

The New Yorker

If there is no time left, what are the chances you win the game with no overtime?

The New York Times

If there is some time left over after we talk, eat together, play together and finish this really great book, we'll clean.

Huffington Post

If the commission finds the complaint valid, it will order the part of the election process directly affected by the disputed activity to be repeated (possibly postponing the election date if there is insufficient time left).

Wikipedia

I don't know if there's much time left".

The New Yorker

Also, if there's any time left, throw a little substance in there.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if there is time left" to introduce a secondary action or plan that depends on the completion of a primary task. It clearly signals a priority structure.

Common error

Avoid using "if there is time left" to introduce something of critical importance. Prioritize essential tasks directly, rather than treating them as secondary options.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if there is time left" functions as an adverbial clause of condition, indicating that the action in the main clause will occur only if there is remaining time. Ludwig's examples illustrate this conditional relationship in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if there is time left" functions as an adverbial clause of condition, indicating that an action is contingent on the availability of time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various registers. It's a common expression for establishing priorities and contingencies. Ludwig's examples highlight its application in diverse contexts, while related phrases offer alternatives for expressing similar ideas. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring that essential tasks are not treated as secondary options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if time remains

Replaces 'is' with 'remains', offering a slightly more formal tone.

should time allow

Uses a more conditional and concise structure.

if time permits

Similar to 'should time allow', but with a slightly different verb.

if any time is left

Adds emphasis on the possibility of no time being available.

assuming time is available

Emphasizes the availability of time as a precondition.

with any remaining time

Emphasizes that the time is what is left over.

contingent on available time

A more formal and concise way of expressing the condition.

depending on the time available

Highlights the dependence on the amount of time.

given sufficient time

Focuses on having enough time to do something.

if we have extra time

Shifts the focus to the speaker's time availability.

FAQs

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

Use "if there is time left" to introduce a task or activity that will only be undertaken if there is sufficient time after completing other, more important tasks. For instance, "We will review the report, "if there is time left" after the meeting".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "if time permits", "should time allow", or "assuming time is available". These phrases convey a similar meaning of contingency based on available time.

Is "if there is time left" formal or informal?

"If there is time left" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it appropriate for a wide range of situations.

What's the difference between "if there is time left" and "if there is any time left"?

The phrase "if there is any time left" emphasizes the possibility that there might not be any time available at all, adding a degree of uncertainty not present in the original phrase "if there is time left".