if your time permits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if your time permits" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are asking someone if they have the time to do something. For example, "If your time permits, could you join me for lunch this afternoon?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

CONGRESSMAN PENCE: Dr. Tom Price from Georgia, and then we'll have one more after that if your time permits, Mr. President.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If desired or if time permits, certain groups may develop grassroots "resistance" campaigns to encourage residents to stay, in defiance of the government incentives.

The New York Times

If time permits, ask your friend right before the event if he/she is going to bring an additional person.

WikiHow

If time permits, continue your journey to Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon.

HuffPost

Sage your space again and if time permits, go take a 3-cup sea salt bath for a minimum of 20 minutes.

Huffington Post

At this cost, if time permits during your season, think about offering yourself as outsourced labor for other farmers in order to save them time and money.

WikiHow

If you're curling your hair for your ponytail, curl all of it if time permits.

WikiHow

Choose a trainer who will make you sweat yet who is also aware of your limits (Yorkshire pudding! Apple pie!) Even if time permits only two hourly sessions a week beyond your normal routine, it may be all you need.

Forbes

Maybe you can repeat the process several times if the time permits.

WikiHow

If time permits, collect a bucket of your perspiration and spread it liberally on the walls and ceiling with the paint roller provided (a.k.a. the pull-up bar).

The New Yorker

I will download and install the new version, and I'll try it, and I'll do a review if time permits (check CNET if you want one now).

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if your time permits" when you want to politely ask someone if they have enough time to do something, showing respect for their schedule.

Common error

Avoid using "if your time permits" when you are actually requiring someone's immediate attention. It's meant to be a polite request, not a veiled demand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if your time permits" functions as a polite conditional clause. It sets a condition upon which an action or request depends, specifically the availability of the listener or reader's time, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if your time permits" is a grammatically sound and widely used conditional phrase that politely inquires about someone's availability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's appropriate for both formal and informal settings, though predominantly found in news, academic, and wiki contexts. Remember to use it when you genuinely respect the recipient's time and avoid employing it in contexts where immediate action is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if you have time available

Focuses on the availability of time rather than permission.

should time allow

More concise and slightly more formal.

if your schedule allows

Specifically refers to schedule, implying pre-planned activities.

as time allows

General statement about fitting something in when possible.

if you're not too busy

Informal way to check someone's availability.

if you find the time

Implies the person needs to actively seek out the time.

when time is available

Highlights the condition of time becoming available.

depending on your availability

Shifts focus to the person's overall availability.

if there's an opening in your schedule

More specific about finding a gap in the schedule.

at your convenience

Focuses on accommodating the person's preference.

FAQs

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

You can use "if your time permits" to politely request someone's time or assistance. For example, "Could you review this document, "if your time permits"?"

What's a more formal alternative to "if your time permits"?

A more formal alternative would be "should your schedule allow" or "if your schedule permits".

Is it appropriate to use "if your time permits" in a business email?

Yes, "if your time permits" is perfectly appropriate for business emails when making a polite request. It demonstrates consideration for the recipient's workload.

What's the difference between "if your time permits" and "at your convenience"?

"If your time permits" asks if someone has the time available to do something. "At your convenience" focuses on scheduling something in a way that best suits the other person's schedule, suggesting flexibility on your part.