weather permitting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weather permitting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing an activity or event that will only take place if certain conditions of the weather are suitable. For example: "We'll go camping this weekend, weather permitting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sports

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Weather permitting.

The New York Times

Tours twice daily, weather permitting.

The New York Times - Travel

Weather permitting, that is.

The New York Times - Travel

Sidewalk seating, weather permitting.

The New York Times

Weather permitting, of course.

The New York Times - Sports

Street cafe, weather permitting.

The New York Times

Open daily, weather permitting.

The New York Times - Food

Outside dining, weather permitting.

The New York Times

Sidewalk dining, weather permitting.

The New York Times

Outdoor seating in front, weather permitting.

The New York Times

Infamous Welsh weather permitting, of course.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always check the weather forecast closer to the date of the event and provide updates. Ensure the weather contingency plan is communicated to your audience well in advance to maintain transparency.

Common error

Don't assume that using "weather permitting" guarantees ideal conditions. It only indicates that the event will proceed if conditions are generally acceptable, not necessarily perfect. Specify your minimum requirements for weather conditions if necessary to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weather permitting" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a condition that must be met for an action or event to occur. It specifies a contingency, implying that the planned activity is dependent on favorable weather conditions. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is perfectly correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Travel

18%

Sports

12%

Less common in

Food

6%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weather permitting" is a common and correct adverbial phrase used to express a condition where an event or activity is dependent on suitable weather conditions. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly usable in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, travel, and sports, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that it clearly communicates the contingency to manage expectations. Alternatives include phrases like "if the weather allows" or "subject to weather conditions". The high frequency and broad applicability of "weather permitting" make it a valuable phrase for effectively communicating conditional plans.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if the weather allows

Replaces "permitting" with "allows", offering a more straightforward and less formal phrasing. The similarity is high as it directly conveys the same conditional aspect.

subject to weather conditions

More formal and explicit, specifying that the activity is "subject to" the weather, thus directly controlled by it. It is very similar, simply more detailed.

depending on the weather

A common and simple alternative, placing emphasis on the weather as the deciding factor. It's less formal than "subject to weather conditions".

if weather conditions are favorable

More descriptive, specifying 'favorable' conditions, and is slightly more formal. It explicitly requires positive conditions for the event.

provided the weather cooperates

Uses a more figurative expression, personifying the weather and suggesting a need for it to "cooperate".

assuming the weather is good

Assumes a positive condition of the weather, making it a precondition. It’s less formal and more conversational.

barring inclement weather

This highlights the prevention of the activity if the weather is bad, "barring" any issues. This is slightly more formal.

climate allowing

A less common variant, "climate allowing", broadens the scope to more general climate factors, not just the immediate weather.

wind and weather willing

This phrase includes both "wind and weather", explicitly requiring both elements to be suitable. It's more poetic and less direct.

the elements being kind

A more poetic and less direct way of expressing the same idea, referring to "the elements" which must be "kind". This carries a tone of hoping for good fortune.

FAQs

How can I use "weather permitting" in a sentence?

Use "weather permitting" to indicate that an event or activity will only happen if the weather is suitable. For example, "The outdoor concert will take place on Saturday, "weather permitting"."

What are some alternatives to "weather permitting"?

You can use alternatives like "if the weather allows", "subject to weather conditions", or "depending on the weather" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "weather permitting, if the weather is good"?

Yes, saying "weather permitting, if the weather is good" is redundant. "Weather permitting" already implies that the event is conditional on good weather, so adding "if the weather is good" repeats the same condition.

What does "climate allowing" mean, and how does it differ from "weather permitting"?

"Climate allowing" is similar to "weather permitting" but refers to overall climate conditions rather than just immediate weather. While "weather permitting" might refer to a single day's forecast, "climate allowing" refers to the general suitability of the area's climate for a longer period or a recurring event.