Hi,

Can anyone please explain how the underlined phrase is allowed in this sentence? Which part of grammar that allows such phrase to be able to join the rest of the sentence? Is it syntax?

Asked if she would contest the by-election if someone paid the deposit.she said it was too late now and that she would try her luck at the next general election, age permitting.

Thank you.

sebayanpendam

“

Asked if she would contest the by-election if someone paid the deposit.she said it was too late now and that she would try her luck at the next general election, age permitting.

”

Using the present participle of permit in expressions like yours is idiomatic English. The most common example is probably to link it with weather: Weather permitting, we'll go for a walk in the morning. (= If the weather permits, we'll go for a walk in the morning.) Weather permitting serves as a clause equivalent but the inexplicable niceties of English grammar require weather to be used without an article here.

In your sentence the woman considers trying her luck in the next general election if she isn't too old by then.

CB