time allowing

USAGE SUMMARY

"time allowing" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a task or activity is contingent on an available time period. For example, "We can discuss the details of the event, time allowing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The emissions limits become tougher over time, allowing businesses time to adjust.

The Washington Post

It may be that the rain came at an opportune time, allowing tired bowlers to regroup.

The Guardian - Sport

She took her time, allowing Kahlo to work quietly in her imagination over many years.

The Guardian - Books

The Obama administration and NATO have wasted precious time, allowing the crisis to escalate.

The New York Times

Colour is applied at the same time, allowing multicoloured objects to be created.

The Economist

Turn the scallops over at the same time, allowing the wine to bubble and spit slightly.

Independent

Major advantages are a substantial decrease in analysis time allowing high throughput processing of samples.

Analytica Chimica Acta

The machine, known as the stellarator, confines electrons for an extended time, allowing scientists to conduct tightly controlled experiments.

Columbia University

The elevators will be modernized one at a time, allowing two to remain operational while one is out of service.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Increasingly complex skills are built over time, allowing students to develop autonomy in their practice as appropriate.

Columbia University

Local data often follow individualsover time, allowing researchers to use empirical techniquesnot possible with pooled cross sectional Census data.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time allowing" to clearly indicate that an action or decision is conditional on having enough time available, ensuring transparency in your communication.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "time allowing" in highly formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound informal. Consider using alternatives like "schedule permitting" or "subject to time availability" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"Time allowing" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating a condition of time. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, indicating its adaptability across different sentence structures. For instance, 'We will proceed with the next phase, "time allowing"' demonstrates its role in specifying when the action (proceeding) will occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time allowing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that expresses contingency based on the availability of time. As noted by Ludwig AI, its adaptability makes it suitable for various contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "schedule permitting". Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its neutral register allows for broad application. Whether planning a meeting or outlining research steps, "time allowing" provides a succinct way to manage expectations based on temporal constraints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if time permits

Expresses a conditional action depending on available time.

if there's time

Indicates a condition based on whether sufficient time exists.

schedule permitting

Similar to "time allowing", but specifically refers to the feasibility within a planned schedule.

as time is available

States the condition that an action will occur when time becomes free.

when time is available

Specifies a future action based on time becoming available.

given sufficient time

Implies an action contingent on having enough time.

depending on the timeframe

Expresses the dependency of an action on the constraints of a timeframe.

if time avails

A more formal way of saying if time is available.

contingent on time

Highlights the direct dependency of something on the availability of time.

subject to time availability

Formal phrasing indicating that something will happen only if time is available.

FAQs

How can I use "time allowing" in a sentence?

You can use "time allowing" to indicate that an activity will only occur if there is enough time. For example, "We will discuss the additional features, "time allowing"."

What is a more formal alternative to "time allowing"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "schedule permitting" or "subject to time availability". These phrases convey a similar meaning but are suitable for professional communication.

Is it correct to say 'time allows' instead of "time allowing"?

While "time allows" is grammatically correct, it has a slightly different meaning. "Time allows" implies that time is actively enabling something, whereas "time allowing" sets a condition based on the availability of time.

What's the difference between "if time permits" and "time allowing"?

"If time permits" and "time allowing" are very similar. "If time permits" is a conditional clause that explicitly states the condition, while "time allowing" serves as a concise way to express the same contingency. The choice often depends on the desired level of formality and sentence structure.