10 Synonyms for “If Time Permits”

In the world of professional emails, saying “if time permits” is a polite way to suggest discussing something extra if there’s enough time. But sometimes, you might want to mix things up or find a phrase that fits better with your message.

This article lists 10 professional alternatives to “if time permits” and explains when to use each one. It also provides examples of how to include these phrases in your emails, helping you communicate more effectively.

Is It Professional to Say “If Time Permits”?

Using the phrase “if time permits” can be seen as both professional, formal, and polite. It’s a respectful way to suggest that something could be done, but only if there is enough time to do it well. This phrase works well in situations where you want to propose an additional activity or topic, but also want to show that you’re mindful of the time constraints.

For example, in a meeting, you might use this phrase to suggest discussing a new idea, but only if the main agenda items are covered first. It’s also useful in emails when you’re suggesting something extra that could be beneficial but isn’t urgent.

Dear All,

I hope this email finds you well. I would like to propose a brief discussion on our upcoming project milestones during our team meeting on Thursday. If time permits, I think it would also be valuable to review our current workflow for any improvement opportunities.

Looking forward to our productive meeting.

Best regards,
Alex

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of using this phrase.

Pros:

• It shows consideration for other people’s time.
• It adds flexibility to your requests or proposals.
• It keeps communication polite and respectful.

Cons:

• Some might see it as non-committal or indecisive.
• It could imply that the suggestion is not a priority.
• There’s a chance the proposed action might never get attended to if time is always tight.

At times, someone might want to use an alternative phrase. This could be because they prefer to be more direct or perhaps they seek a stronger commitment to an action. Depending on the situation and the desired tone, alternatives or synonyms might be more suitable. Considering alternatives can help in tailoring your message more precisely towards your audience or objectives, making your communication even more effective.

10 Other Ways to Say “If Time Permits”

When it comes to professional communication, there are several alternatives to saying “if time permits.” Let’s explore a list of appropriate synonyms that can be used in emails.

1. Should time allow

This alternative to “if time permits” is equally formal and professional, emphasizing the condition of having sufficient time in a polite manner. It carries a similar level of politeness and is perfect for maintaining a respectful tone in professional exchanges. This phrase subtly shifts attention towards the availability of time as a key factor for an additional agenda or task.

When aiming to address an agenda that is not critical but would be beneficial to cover, “should time allow” offers a way to suggest flexibility in discussion without pressing urgency. It communicates the idea clearly in a manner that conveys respect for the recipients’ time.

Dear Team,

I look forward to our strategy session tomorrow. After reviewing our quarterly goals, should time allow, I'd love to brainstorm potential market expansions.

Best,
Rachel

2. Provided we have enough time

This alternative is professional and conveys the speaker’s intention to add an item to the agenda if time constraints do not limit them. It’s direct and specifies the condition of having ‘enough’ time, making it slightly more specific than the original phrase. This wording is suited for occasions where the additional topic or task is of significant importance but not urgent.

This option is better suited for situations where you want to emphasize the importance of discussing the additional subject, provided that it does not interfere with scheduled priorities. It balances the urgency with an express acknowledgment of time limitations.

Dear Committee Members,

As we meet to finalize the event details on Wednesday, provided we have enough time, I propose we also consider feedback from last year’s participants.

Kindly,
Liam

3. Assuming time is on our side

“Assuming time is on our side” introduces a formal yet slightly more casual tone compared to the original phrase. It’s polite and professional, with a hint of optimism about the availability of time. This synonym could be suitable for messages where there’s a hopeful outlook towards covering more ground than just the essentials.

It works well in messages where there’s an aspiration to tackle extra topics or tasks, with the understanding that it’s dependent on how the primary objectives proceed. This phrase gently acknowledges that while there’s hope to address more, the main focus remains on the primary agenda.

Dear Colleagues,

Our quarterly review is set for Monday. Assuming time is on our side, it would be advantageous to discuss upcoming team-building activities.

Warmly,
Julian

4. Time permitting

This synonym is concise and professional, carrying the same weight of politeness as the original phrase. It’s an efficient way to suggest that an action or discussion could be considered, dependent on the time available. This variant is particularly useful for written communication where brevity is appreciated.

“Time permitting” is better suited for emails or messages where space is limited, and you need to communicate your respect for time constraints effectively. It’s a polite invitation to explore an additional topic, assuming the primary objectives are met.

Dear Partners,

Thank you for your collaboration on our project. Time permitting, a quick review of the timeline adjustments would be beneficial tomorrow.

Sincerely,
Elena

5. If we can find the time

This alternative to “if time permits” adds a slightly informal touch while remaining professional and polite. It implies a collaborative effort to make room for additional discussions or tasks, making it ideal for team-oriented situations.

This phrase is particularly well-suited when you want to emphasize the collective effort in managing time efficiently to address extra points. It evokes a sense of teamwork in finding the opportunity to explore more topics beyond the primary agenda.

Dear Project Team,

In our upcoming meeting, we'll tackle the phase one milestones. If we can find the time, reviewing the initial customer feedback would be invaluable.

Cheers,
Miguel

6. In the event that time allows

This alternative phrase is formal and explicitly outlines the conditionality of additional discussions on the availability of time. It is professional and maintains a polite tone by acknowledging that primary objectives take precedence over supplementary agenda items.

“In the event that time allows” is ideally used in situations where there are tight schedules, but there’s a desire to include non-urgent topics if possible. It communicates a high level of respect for the recipient’s and the organization’s time.

Dear Contributors,

We appreciate your dedication. In the event that time allows, I suggest we also reflect on our community engagement strategies this quarter.

Regards,
Simone

7. Given enough time

This synonym for “if time permits” emphasizes the conditional nature of an additional discussion or action on having sufficient time. It is professional and suggests that the speaker would like to cover more ground if the timetable allows.

“Given enough time” is particularly apt for messages where there’s an implicit understanding that the schedule is packed, but there remains an openness to addressing more if feasible. This phrase conveys a pragmatic yet hopeful approach to agenda management.

Dear Faculty,

Our agenda for Friday's faculty meeting is extensive. Given enough time, a dialogue on curriculum enhancements can take place.

Best wishes,
Nora

8. Should the schedule permit

“Should the schedule permit” is a formal and precise alternative, directly referring to the schedule as the determining factor. This phrase is professional, offering clarity and respect for the planned agenda and time allocations.

This alternative is better suited for scenarios where the schedule is tightly managed, and any additions to the agenda need to be carefully considered. It places emphasis on the structured nature of the meeting or activity, and communicates a respect for everyone’s time and commitments.

Dear Sales Team,

We're set to discuss our quarterly targets. Should the schedule permit, examining the feedback on our new sales technique would be beneficial.

Yours,
Tara

9. Assuming we have the time

This phrase adds a professional, yet hopeful tone to the message, indicating that extra topics or actions could be explored assuming the schedule allows. It maintains politeness and respect for time constraints while suggesting an optimistic view of what could be accomplished.

It’s particularly fitting for communications that aim to cover essential matters but leave room for optimism about discussing additional subjects. This alternative evokes a team-centric attitude towards managing and utilizing time effectively.

Dear Research Team,

Our focus this week is completing the literature review. Assuming we have the time, generating preliminary hypotheses would also be advantageous.

Kind regards,
Beatrice

10. If the timing is right

This synonym conveys a consideration of both the availability of time and the appropriateness of the moment, making it a slightly more nuanced phrase. It’s professional and polite, suitable for when you wish to introduce additional points in a way that also considers the appropriateness of the timing.

When there’s an extra discussion point that would be beneficial but is not urgent, “if the timing is right” serves as a respectful way to suggest its inclusion. This phrase gracefully accommodates the possibility of addressing more without imposing additional pressure.

Dear Team,

As we prepare for the client presentation, let’s focus on the project highlights. If the timing is right, a discussion on potential upselling opportunities should follow.

Best,
Oliver

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right way to say “if time permits” can make your emails sound more professional and respectful. The 10 alternatives we’ve explored provide you with a variety of options to fit different situations.

Remember, it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it that counts. Using these alternatives can help you adjust your tone based on the formality of your message or the relationship you have with the recipient. Finally, always consider the context of your conversation and the message you want to convey to pick the most appropriate phrase. By being mindful of these aspects, you can communicate more effectively and maintain a respectful and professional dialogue.