if time permits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'if time permits' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to suggest the idea that something may or may not happen depending on the availability of time. For example, you could say, "I'll make an appointment at the store, if time permits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

If time permits, I will mention a modification in Type B, as well as applications of Kazhdan-Lusztig polynomials.

University of California, Berkeley

If time permits, the class members might ask questions of the presenters as representatives of different nations.

The New York Times

Regression will be covered if time permits.

Cornell University

If time permits, Fourier integrals and transforms, Laplace transforms.

Stanford University

If time permits, classification theory over interesting fields.

Stanford University

If time permits, have each group share some of the inspirational messages they listed.

The New York Times

These days I'm a once-a-year man, if time permits.

The Guardian - Sport

Help get things back to what they were, and make them even better if time permits".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

(It's your own voice) -If time permits, walk away from your question/problem.

Huffington Post

Take in a showing of Fear Factor Live, if time permits a showing.

WikiHow

You can use an electric mixer, but if time permits, use a wooden spoon.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider rephrasing with "time permitting" at the beginning of a sentence for a more concise and slightly more informal tone.

Common error

While generally acceptable, excessive use of "if time permits" in very formal writing may appear indecisive. Consider stronger phrasing if the activity is genuinely important, such as 'time permitting, this task will be prioritized' instead of 'if time permits, we'll do this task'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if time permits" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It introduces a condition based on the availability of time, indicating that the action described by the verb or clause will only occur if there is sufficient time. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

38%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if time permits" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conditional phrase. Ludwig indicates that the expression introduces optional actions in planning, scheduling, and more. Its versatility is demonstrated across diverse sources like academia, news outlets, and wikis. Related phrases, such as "time permitting" and "if time allows", offer flexibility in wording, although slight variations in formality and emphasis may influence the choice. Despite its broad usability, avoiding overuse of "if time permits" in formal contexts maintains a decisive tone. As Ludwig AI confirms, "if time permits" is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if time allows

Uses the synonym 'allows' for 'permits'.

as time allows

Similar meaning but slightly more informal.

time permitting

Reorders the phrase, making it more concise.

if there's time

Uses simpler vocabulary to express the condition.

depending on available time

Specifies that the availability of time is the key factor.

if we have enough time

Emphasizes having 'enough' time as the condition.

schedule allowing

Focuses on the schedule as the determining factor.

contingent on time

More formal phrasing, emphasizing dependence on time.

should time become available

More formal and less direct phrasing.

subject to time constraints

Highlights the limitations that time can impose.

FAQs

What does "if time permits" mean?

The phrase "if time permits" means something will only happen or be done if there is enough time available. It indicates a conditional action based on time constraints.

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

You can use "if time permits" to indicate that an action is dependent on having sufficient time. For example: "We will discuss the additional features, "if time allows"."

What are some alternatives to "if time permits"?

Alternatives include "time permitting", "if there's time", or "schedule allowing". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "if time permits" or "if time allows"?

"If time permits" and "if time allows" are largely interchangeable and have the same meaning. "If time allows"/"if time allows" might be considered slightly more common in everyday conversation, but both are grammatically correct.