So, you’d like to know how to say that you’ll do something if time allows without sounding bland.
If time allows might seem repetitive and overused. Therefore, it’s good to have a few alternatives ready.
This article has gathered the best synonyms to show you how to say if time allows in different ways.
8 Alternative Ways to Say “If Time Allows”
Check out these 8 synonyms if you’re keen to come up with a few different phrases:
- If circumstances permit
- Should time permit
- If we have the time
- Depending on the time
- Given the time
- Time allowing
- Depending on time constraints
- Time permitting
1. If Circumstances Permit
You can use if circumstances permit as another way to say if time allows. It’s a great way to keep things formal and to the point.
Generally, this lets coworkers know that you’ll work around a schedule. It shows something is time-dependent, and you’ll only be able to do it if it suits both of your schedules.
Here’s a great sample email to show you how it works:
Dear Harold,
If circumstances permit, I will be happy to do this with you. Please let me know if anything changes.
All the best,
Sean White
2. Should Time Permit
Feel free to include should time permit as well. It works in professional emails because it doesn’t change too much about the original phrase if time allows.
The only real differences are using should instead of if and permits instead of allows.
It maintains the original tone while helping you to sound hopeful about time constraints. This could be a great way to communicate meeting times with someone, as long as you fit it in.
If you’re still stuck, check out the following example:
Dear Sandra,
Should time permit, we can get this done on Friday. I’m sure we’ll be able to find the time to do it.
All the best,
Ruth Evangeline
3. If We Have the Time
Next, you can try if we have the time. This one sounds more professional but maintains a personal tone.
It shows that you’re trying to collaborate with a client. The collaborative nature of this phrase makes it ideal when working closely with someone you’re trying to impress.
That’s why it tends to be best when clients need your assistance.
Also, this example should help you with it:
Dear Mr. Clark,
If we have the time, can we work through this project together? I’d like to hear your opinion on it.
Thank you so much,
Charlie Spleen
4. Depending on the Time
Feel free to write depending on the time instead of if time allows. This is a more friendly and informal choice that shows you’re interested in doing something.
Generally, it suggests that you can only arrange a meeting if it works for all schedules involved.
Try using it when contacting your boss. It’ll let them know that you’d like to meet, but you don’t want to put pressure on them or have them mix up their schedule too much.
Check out this sample email if you still need help:
Dear Miss Ike,
Depending on the time, can we meet on Friday to discuss my future? I’m certain you’ll be interested in hearing my thoughts.
Kind regards,
Sam Tanner
5. Given the Time
Another great formal alternative is given the time. It’s ideal when contacting a student who might be willing to help you with something.
It suggests that something might become available for the recipient. However, it is usually a time-dependent situation that you’ll have to keep them updated on.
Also, here’s a great email sample to help you understand it better:
Dear Bryan,
Given the time, would you be willing to take part in this study? I think you’d be the perfect candidate to help us.
Best,
Adam Langford
6. Time Allowing
You can simplify if time allows by writing time allowing. We’ve removed one word to create a two-word phrase that works well in formal emails.
Try using it when arranging a meeting with employees. It shows that you’re interested in getting people to come along, but you need to check whether the time works for everyone.
You should review this example to learn more about using it:
Dear Tanya,
Time allowing, this will happen on Friday. Please confirm whether you’ll be able to attend before then.
Thank you so much,
Ben Blackwell
7. Depending on Time Constraints
Another great alternative is depending on time constraints. This one is a little more specific and shows that times or schedules might interfere with plans.
This works well when emailing groups of coworkers. It shows that you’d like to arrange a group activity with them, but you’re worried that certain time issues might get in the way.
This email example will also clear things up:
Dear Amelia,
Depending on time constraints, this meeting will be either Thursday or Friday. Please alert the team immediately.
All the best,
Billy Bertha
8. Time Permitting
Finally, you can use time permitting to keep things interesting in your emails.
Don’t worry; it’s still a formal phrase.
Therefore, it works well when emailing a professor. It shows that you’d like to get their verdict on something, but you appreciate that you might not find the time to work with them.
Here’s a great email sample to help you with it:
Dear Mr. Holliday,
Time permitting, can we discuss this assignment tomorrow? I’m stuck on a few of the points you raised with me.
Thanks so much,
Brady Owen
Is It Correct to Say “If Time Allows”?
If time allows is correct to use in professional situations.
It means you expect something to happen if you can find the time to set it up. Generally, it shows that something is time-dependent, meaning you have to wait to see if it fits a schedule.
It’s a polite and formal phrase that shows you’ll let someone know if you can find the time for something.
Here’s an example showing you how to say if time allows in a sentence:
Dear Mathew,
We will complete this task if time allows for it. Otherwise, we’ll have to keep working on these other plans.
My best,
Jon Mortimer
You can also use if time allows at the start of a sentence. This helps you to stress the importance of something being time-dependent and how it might affect an outcome.
For instance:
Dear Melissa,
If time allows, we will work on this together. I will certainly let you know closer to the time if we can make this work.
All the best,
Matilda Jenkins
Also, you might come across one specific variation in your writing. It’s good to know the variation before including it to see if it’s worth using.
Variation: Using permits instead of allows
- Correct: If time permits, we will go there.
- Correct: If time allows, we will go there.
Luckily permits and allows mean the same thing. Therefore, you can use if time allows and if time permits to show that something depends on time before you can agree to it.
