when time permits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when time permits" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is possible, but that it depends on the availability of time or resources. For example, "We should work together on this project when time permits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Books are also elementary, when time permits.

The New York Times

When time permits, he will continue to write.

The New York Times

ANCIENT ART When time permits, very rarely, I practice calligraphy with my wife — Chinese calligraphy.

The New York Times

As Holme commented, his plan could "when time permits, be augmented".

The Guardian

Maybe, when time permits, we'll go back and read the books".

The Guardian - Books

And when time permits, I take my bicycle to Central Park.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Pochettino and Pérez had bumped into Ferguson at the League Managers Association's president's dinner in March and they resolved to do lunch, when time permitted.

The Guardian - Sport

The poet's friend lived far away, but they wrote back and forth when time permitted and sometimes talked on the phone.

Vice

"As a student, when time permitted, I would lay down alone on the floor in the darkness of the Conservatory's [Conservatoire de Musique du Québec à Trois-Rivière] listening room.

Vice

Typically, spectroscopic data were measured from one margin per case and when time permitted, measured from up to five margins before the end of the operation.

Breast Cancer Research

Overall participants indicated that, when time permitted, their preference of use, in descending order, was: professional interpreters (first choice), then the language line and finally other hospital staff or family members.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the reader understands who decides whether "time permits". If it's not you, specify the decision-maker.

Common error

While generally acceptable, excessively using "when time permits" in formal documents might sound repetitive. Vary your language with alternatives like "as time allows" or "subject to time availability" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when time permits" functions as an adverbial clause of condition, modifying a verb by specifying the condition under which the action can occur. Ludwig examples show it's used to express contingency based on the availability of time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis confirms that "when time permits" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to express that an action will occur if and only if enough time is available. Ludwig AI affirms its usability. It's versatile enough for neutral registers, appearing frequently in news, science and business contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives like "as time allows" or "subject to time availability" might be preferred. Avoid overuse to prevent repetition. Remember, this phrase clearly indicates contingency, signaling that other priorities might take precedence. Sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time permitting

A shorter, more concise version of the original phrase, often used parenthetically.

as time allows

Emphasizes the opportunistic nature of doing something whenever time becomes available.

as time becomes free

Highlights the idea of time needing to become available before the action can occur.

when time is available

A more straightforward way of saying something will happen only if time becomes free.

if there's enough time

A more colloquial way of expressing the condition of having sufficient time.

if time allows

A conditional phrase, indicating that time is a prerequisite for the action.

as schedule permits

Similar to the original, but uses "schedule" to emphasize structured time management.

subject to time availability

More formal, suitable for business or academic contexts.

depending on time constraints

Emphasizes the limitations imposed by time.

when the opportunity arises

Shifts focus from time to the overall chance or favorable circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "when time permits" in a sentence?

You can use "when time permits" to indicate that an action will be done only if there is enough time. For example, "I will review the documents "when time permits"."

What's a more formal alternative to "when time permits"?

If you need a more formal phrase, consider using alternatives like "subject to time availability" or "as schedule permits". These options are suitable for business or academic writing.

Is it correct to say "where time permits" instead of "when time permits"?

While both phrases suggest a conditional action, "where time permits" is less common. "Where" typically refers to a location, making ""when time permits"" the more appropriate choice for indicating a time-dependent action.

What does "time permitting" mean, and how does it relate to "when time permits"?

"Time permitting" is a shorter, parenthetical version of ""when time permits"". Both phrases convey the same meaning: something will be done only if there's enough time available.