when conditions permit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when conditions permit" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something can happen if certain preconditions are met. For example: We will begin the renovations when conditions permit.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

And we need to prepare plans for a safe and dignified return [of Syrians to Syria] … That's not implementable today, but preparations need to start today, to be implemented when conditions permit".

The Guardian

When a youngster is admitted to a hospital, the parents are encouraged to be with him as much as possible and, when conditions permit, to sleep beside the young child in the hospital.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Honda's considerable task, then, is to persuade shoppers that beneath the Pilot's brutish sheet metal is a crossover that uses car-type construction, powered by a V-6 engine that can save fuel by backing down from six cylinders to four or even three when conditions permit.

The New York Times

They also executes lane changes on command and enable automatic parallel parking when conditions permit.

TechCrunch

Secondly, when conditions permit, to grow the capital on a risk adjusted basis.

Forbes

If not, the capacity adjustment of the VP is scheduled and performed asynchronously, when conditions permit together with the inverse adjustment of the CE.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The State Department on Friday advised Americans to consider leaving Lebanon when conditions permitted.

The New York Times

These might begin with freezing expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and, when security conditions permit, easing the economic blockades surrounding Palestinian towns.

The New York Times

"Bluefin-21 is planned to redeploy later today when weather conditions permit".

BBC

There also is a 5-mile trail for horseback riding and bicycling when soil conditions permit.

Huffington Post

When atmospheric conditions permit an uplift of warm, humid air, this water condenses and falls to the surface as precipitation.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when conditions permit" to clearly state that an action or decision is dependent on specific circumstances being favorable. This adds precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "when conditions permit" as a vague placeholder without clearly defining what those conditions are. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when conditions permit" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the circumstances under which an action can or will occur. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when conditions permit" serves as a useful tool to express contingency, clearly stating that an action depends on specific circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and general usability. While "when conditions permit" is most common in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. Consider alternative phrasings like "circumstances allowing" if a more concise expression is required. Ensure you clearly define what conditions are being referenced to avoid ambiguity. The phrase is more structured than similar phrases like "if possible" and implies a thoughtful approach to planning and decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as circumstances allow

Slightly more concise and emphasizes flexibility based on current conditions.

circumstances allowing

Emphasizes the role of external factors in enabling an action.

situation permitting

Highlights the influence of the overall context on the feasibility of something.

if conditions are right

Emphasizes the need for a confluence of favorable factors.

if the opportunity arises

Focuses on the emergence of a favorable moment or chance.

depending on the situation

Underscores the reliance on the specific context for a decision or action.

subject to suitable conditions

Formally indicates that certain criteria must be met for something to proceed.

contingent on the circumstances

Highlights the dependency of an action on the prevailing conditions.

if feasible

Simplifies the condition to a question of practicality and achievability.

when the time is right

Highlights the importance of timing and opportune moments.

FAQs

How can I use "when conditions permit" in a sentence?

Use "when conditions permit" to indicate that an action or event will only occur if certain prerequisites or circumstances are met. For example, "We will proceed with the outdoor event "when conditions permit"".

What are some alternatives to "when conditions permit"?

Alternatives include "circumstances allowing", "situation permitting", or "as circumstances allow". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "when conditions permit" or "if possible"?

"When conditions permit" tends to be more formal than "if possible". "If possible" is a more general statement of contingency, while "when conditions permit" implies specific, identifiable conditions that must be met.

What's the difference between "when conditions permit" and "subject to conditions"?

"When conditions permit" suggests a more flexible and opportunistic approach, implying that something will happen if and when the right circumstances arise. "Subject to conditions" /s/subject+to+conditions is more structured, indicating that specific, pre-defined conditions must be satisfied before something can occur.