time does not permit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time does not permit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining that there is insufficient time to do something or to complete a task. Example: "I would love to join the meeting, but time does not permit me to attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Time does not permit a full discussion of the merits.

The New York Times

If time does not permit there is a concise summary of the Mann's mendacity here.

University of California, Berkeley

It is company procedure to mail tickets in advance, or if time does not permit, to hold them at the theater box office in London for collection 30 minutes prior to curtain.

The New York Times - Travel

Many judges have properly insisted that, when time does not permit of formal notice of the application to the adverse party, some expedient, such as telephonic notice to the attorney for the adverse party, be resorted to if this can reasonably be done.

Cornell University

Time does not permit an independent examination of the facts set out in the proxy material and this results in the Commission's acceptance of the representations contained therein at their face value, unless contrary to other material on file with it.' Id., at 432, 84 S.Ct., at 1560.

Cornell University

I watch TV professionally, but also recreationally, as time permits — and time does not permit much recreational TV watching.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The more I read, the more I want to say, but time doesn't permit.

The Guardian - Music

But time doesn't permit a conversation about Senator Cotton's assertion that it would take only a few days of bombing to end Iran's nuclear threat... or as blogger and BSN-er David Corn tweeted, "the third time's the charm" when it comes to Middle East wars.

Huffington Post

When time doesn't permit a long trek outside, make your inside space more open to the natural world.

WikiHow

Titans O vs. Bengals D (Time did not permit review of Titans D vs. Bengals O) After a very solid first half, the Titans were taken out of rhythm and frustrated throughout the last 30 minutes.

The New York Times

On the Localis pamphlet issue of social rents being allowed to rise to private ones, he seemed to make a point of ruling that out though the time did not permit the question to be pursed at length.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "time does not permit", ensure that the context clearly indicates what cannot be done due to the lack of time. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your explanation.

Common error

While "time does not permit" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for more natural alternatives like "I don't have time" or "I'm short on time" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time does not permit" functions as an indicative expression used to explain or justify the inability to perform a task or provide further detail due to insufficient time. Ludwig provides examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time does not permit" serves as a polite and somewhat formal way to explain the impossibility of undertaking a specific task or providing more information due to a lack of time. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees consistent use across varied contexts, from news articles to academic papers, it’s more suitable for formal contexts. For less formal situations, alternatives such as "I don't have time" may be more appropriate. Understanding the different contexts and choosing alternatives carefully helps to make sure the clarity and tone is according to the writer's expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time constraints prevent

Emphasizes the limiting factor of time as a constraint.

there isn't enough time

A more direct and informal way of expressing the lack of time.

time is lacking

Highlights the deficiency of time available.

circumstances do not allow time

Focuses on situational restrictions preventing sufficient time.

schedule does not allow

Indicates that a planned schedule cannot accommodate the activity.

there is no time available

Stresses the unavailability of any free time.

time is insufficient

Emphasizes that the allotted time is inadequate.

due to time limitations

Specifies the reason for inability as time-related.

time will not allow

A slightly more emphatic declaration that time is a prohibiting factor.

the clock doesn't allow

A metaphorical expression indicating temporal restrictions.

FAQs

What does "time does not permit" mean?

The phrase "time does not permit" means there is not enough time available to do something. It is a formal way of saying that an activity cannot be undertaken due to time constraints.

How can I use "time does not permit" in a sentence?

You can use "time does not permit" to explain why something cannot be done due to a lack of time. For example, "I would elaborate further, but "time does not permit" a more detailed explanation."

What are some alternatives to "time does not permit"?

Some alternatives include "time constraints prevent", "there isn't enough time", or simply "I don't have time" depending on the context.

Is "time does not permit" formal or informal?

"Time does not permit" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal situations, phrases like "I don't have time" or "I'm running out of time" are more appropriate.