if time allows

USAGE SUMMARY

"if time allows" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is possible or permissible depending on the availability of time. For example: "If time allows, we can go for a walk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chill if time allows.

The New York Times - Magazine

If time allows, cool.

The New York Times - Food

Cool if time allows.

The New York Times

If time allows, students should present their ideas in class.

The New York Times

Shape into small cakes and refrigerate, if time allows.

The New York Times - Food

(If time allows, chill at least 15 minutes).

The New York Times - Food

If time allows, students may begin brainstorming and sketching ideas for their welcome signs.

The New York Times

They then memorize their lines (if time allows) and perform the scene for the class.

The New York Times

If time allows, wrap and freeze it for about 30 minutes before slicing.

The New York Times - Food

If time allows, a student should demonstrate this procedure at the front of the room.

The New York Times

If time allows, groups may pose questions to each other for further discussion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if time allows", consider specifying what might prevent the action from occurring (e.g., "If time allows, we'll review the budget; otherwise, we'll postpone it to next week.").

Common error

Avoid using "if time allows" as an afterthought. Integrate it early in your planning to signal that time is a crucial factor. Neglecting this can lead to unrealistic expectations and scheduling conflicts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if time allows" functions as an adverbial clause of condition. It modifies the main clause by introducing a condition (availability of time) that must be met for the action in the main clause to occur. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this conditional function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if time allows" is a common and grammatically correct conditional phrase used to indicate that an action is dependent on the availability of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "time permitting" exist, "if time allows" provides a clear and straightforward way to express contingency. Remember to integrate this phrase thoughtfully into your writing to avoid unrealistic expectations and scheduling conflicts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time permitting

Replaces the conditional "if" clause with a gerund phrase, emphasizing the time factor directly.

should time permit

Uses a more formal and slightly less common subjunctive mood to express the condition.

if there's enough time

Explicitly states the condition of having sufficient time, making it slightly more verbose.

assuming time is available

Highlights the assumption that time is a resource that needs to be available.

provided that time allows

Uses "provided that" to introduce the conditional clause, adding a touch of formality.

contingent on time availability

Transforms the phrase into a more formal and noun-based structure.

depending on the time available

Shifts the focus to the dependency on available time as the deciding factor.

if the schedule permits

Substitutes "time" with "schedule", focusing on planned time allocation.

as time is available

Uses "as" to express the condition in a more direct and declarative manner.

when time is not a constraint

Formulates the condition by negating the constraint of time, providing a different perspective.

FAQs

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

You can use "if time allows" to indicate that an action or decision is contingent on having enough time. For example, "We will discuss the new marketing strategy, "if time allows", during the meeting."

What are some alternatives to saying "if time allows"?

You can use alternatives like "time permitting", "should time permit", or "if there's enough time" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "if time allows" or "when time allows"?

"If time allows" is generally more appropriate when expressing a condition or contingency. "When time allows" implies a degree of certainty that time will be available, whereas "if" acknowledges uncertainty.

What is the difference between "if time allows" and "if the schedule permits"?

While similar, "if time allows" generally refers to the availability of time in a broader sense. "If the schedule permits" is more specific, indicating whether a planned schedule can accommodate the action or event.