already leave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already leave" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly as it combines two conflicting ideas of being in the process of leaving and having already done so. Example: "I thought you would already leave by now, but you're still here."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It's not as though Fisher didn't already leave an enormous body of work.

The New York Times

If your studies already leave you feeling strapped for time, though, adding a part-time job may make you feel as though you don't have any time left for yourself.

Stanford University

Statements by Mr. Khan's supporters already leave little doubt about the scientist's strategy: if arrested, he appears ready to argue that the Pakistani leadership knew about his transaction at the highest levels.

The New York Times

The arrival of Nicolas Anelka for £15m and the Frenchman's declaration that he is looking forward to forming a strike partnership with Didier Drogba already leave the Ukraine international looking like the odd man out in Chelsea's attacking plans.

The Guardian - Sport

"You're dealing with, what, an extra 75 cents for every bill of $100?" Besides, one restaurant manager said, many New Yorkers are such generous tippers that they already leave more than double the sales tax, old or new.

The New York Times

If the bread is not slightly stale already, leave the pieces out on a wire rack to dry out.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Some had already left.

The New Yorker

Most people have already left.

The New York Times

Other residents have already left.

The New York Times

Mr Ouattara has already left.

The Economist

Mr. Mercer had already left.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating that someone has already left, use the present perfect tense: "have already left" or "has already left".

Common error

Avoid using "already leave" because it incorrectly combines present and past actions. Instead, use "have already left" to clearly indicate a completed action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already leave" functions as a verb phrase, but is considered grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI points out, it incorrectly combines present and past actions. The correct form requires the auxiliary verb 'have' or 'has' to create the present perfect tense.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "already leave" is generally deemed grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI explains, it's best to use the present perfect tense – "have already left" or "has already left" – to accurately convey that an action of leaving has been completed. While the phrase does appear in some news and academic sources, this does not validate its correctness. For clearer and grammatically sound communication, opt for alternatives like "already departed" or "gone already".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have already left

This alternative uses the correct present perfect tense to indicate an action completed before the present.

already departed

A more formal synonym for "left", indicating the action of leaving is complete.

left already

While less common, this phrasing emphasizes that the leaving has occurred.

gone already

Informal phrasing indicating departure.

did already leave

This phrasing adds emphasis to the fact that the leaving occurred.

earlier departure

Focuses on the action of departing happened at an earlier time.

previously exited

A formal alternative emphasizing the prior exit.

earlier vacated

Emphasizes the action of leaving a place happened earlier.

completed departure

Expresses the departure action as concluded.

finished exiting

Highlights the completion of leaving a place.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say someone has left?

The correct way is to use the present perfect tense, such as "have already left" or "has already left". For example, "They "have already left" the building".

Is 'already leave' grammatically correct?

No, "already leave" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct form is "have already left".

What can I say instead of 'already leave'?

Use phrases like "already departed", ""have already left"", or "already gone" depending on the context.

What's the difference between 'already leave' and 'have already left'?

"Already leave" is not grammatically correct. "Have already left" indicates a completed action in the past that has relevance to the present. For instance, "They "have already left", so we can't meet with them today".