the situation permits

USAGE SUMMARY

"the situation permits" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used when referring to the current conditions or circumstances of something, and implies that those conditions allow for an action to be taken, or a situation to develop. For example: "Given the situation permits, I would like to suggest an alternative plan of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

As soon as the situation permits, the wounded are taken from the scene of the battle to their unit's closest treatment facility, which serves as a collection point for casualties and is maintained as close to the battlefield as possible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In the course of transferring security responsibility, the German government intends to reduce certain capabilities that are no longer needed, provided the situation permits, after the end of 2011-12," the report said.

The New York Times

The BDS was central to growing this portrayal of dementia as a 'quiet epidemic' that was caused largely by senile plaques; and Blessed, Tomlinson and Roth promoted it to colleagues as a reliable test that allowed 'clinical evaluation to be made in a consistent manner and expressed in as precise a form as the situation permits' (1968: 799).

History of the Human Sciences

Vests and ties can also be great if the situation permits them.

WikiHow

The camera will then grab the longest shutter speed that the situation permits (though typically modern cameras won't time out exposures longer than 30 seconds).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Employ as many as possible when the situations permit to maximize battery life.

WikiHow

Israeli officials say the troops will leave the remaining towns when the security situation permits.

The New York Times

They hope to run awareness campaigns in the future, if the security situation permits it.

Independent

The agency's crisis-response plan will be revised and updated as the security situation permits a better assessment of the needs of women and children at risk.

Unicef

We are working towards an assessment on the ground as soon as the security situation permits.

The Guardian

Because of conditions in the capital, Bangui, the State Department also advised Americans to leave "as the security situation permits".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the situation permits" to clearly indicate that an action is contingent upon the existing circumstances. This phrase is particularly useful in formal or professional communication where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the actor is obscured. While "the situation permits" is acceptable, ensure that the sentence clearly identifies who or what is taking the permitted action to maintain clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the situation permits" functions as an adverbial clause introducer, indicating that the action or event described in the main clause is conditional upon the existing circumstances. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

20%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the situation permits" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express contingency based on existing circumstances. Ludwig confirms its validity and suggests its suitability for formal and professional contexts. While relatively rare in overall usage, it finds application across news, wiki, and formal business domains. When aiming for clarity and precision in indicating conditional actions, "the situation permits" serves as an appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

circumstances allow

Direct replacement focusing on the allowance provided by current conditions.

conditions enable

Emphasizes the enabling aspect of the circumstances.

as conditions allow

Rephrases the original meaning while maintaining a similar structure.

when the time is right

Focuses on timing as a key factor in allowing action.

when circumstances are favorable

Highlights the positive aspect of the enabling situation.

as opportunity allows

Focuses on opportunity as the enabler.

when feasible

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize practicality and possibility.

if the opportunity arises

Suggests a future opportunity that will permit action.

subject to conditions

Emphasizes that the action is conditional on the current circumstances.

depending on the context

Highlights the dependence on the current situation for the allowance.

FAQs

How can I use "the situation permits" in a sentence?

You can use "the situation permits" to indicate that something is possible or allowed based on the current circumstances. For example, "We will proceed with the outdoor event if "the situation permits"."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "the situation permits"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "circumstances allow", "conditions enable", or "as conditions allow". These alternatives can add variety to your writing while conveying a similar meaning.

Is "the situation permits" formal or informal?

"The situation permits" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more informal contexts, you might opt for simpler alternatives such as "if things go well" or "when the time is right".

When is it appropriate to use "the situation permits"?

It is appropriate to use "the situation permits" when you want to emphasize that a particular action or outcome is dependent on the existing circumstances. This phrase is suitable for professional, academic, and formal contexts where clarity and precision are valued.