applying for leave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applying for leave" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of requesting time off from work or school. Example: "I am currently applying for leave to attend a family event next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In fact they are growing in some categories, for example those applying for leave to remain on the basis of marriage or civil partnership.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were "married" on April 8, and Callie is applying for leave to remain in the UK on the basis of their civil partnership.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The National Prosecuting Authority could apply for leave to appeal against the ruling, once sentencing has taken place.

The Guardian - Sport

After he arrived in Britain in 1997, he applied for leave to remain in the UK.

The Guardian

He then taught for brief periods at Nevers and Poitiers but in 1852 applied for leave of absence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When my first visa expired in 2009, I applied for a three-year skilled worker permit, and when that ran out last year I was advised by the Home Office to apply for leave to remain permanently".

The Guardian

As an American citizen, I had to apply for leave to remain in the UK from outside the country, so our first stop was the office of the British vice-consul in Naples.

The Guardian - Travel

The national prosecuting authority said it would apply for leave to appeal on Thursday, after saying the sentence was an injustice that had the potential to bring the administration of justice into disrepute.

The Guardian

Employees in Munich and Berlin who work for its mobile-communications division (which lost euro511m $446m—in the three months to June) will be able to apply for leave of between three months (on 50% of pay) and 12 months (on 20%).

The Economist

Martin's legal team has applied for leave to appeal.

BBC

She got the form from school to apply for leave but was told she could be fined.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "applying for leave", clearly state the reason for your request and the dates you'll be away to ensure a smooth approval process and avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid simply "applying for leave" without providing a reason. A vague request can lead to denial or delays. Always specify the reason, whether it's for vacation, medical reasons, or personal matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applying for leave" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of requesting permission for a period of absence. It often appears in contexts related to employment, immigration, or legal appeals, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "applying for leave" is a grammatically correct and widely understood way to describe the act of requesting permission for a period of absence. While Ludwig indicates that it is not the most frequent phrase, it is commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, clarity and justification are essential for a smooth and successful request. Consider alternatives like "requesting time off" or "submitting a leave request" for different levels of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requesting time off

Focuses on the act of requesting, simplifying the phrasing.

seeking permission for absence

Emphasizes the need for permission and specifies absence.

submitting a leave request

Highlights the formal submission of a request.

asking for a leave of absence

Clarifies the type of leave being requested.

putting in for leave

Uses a more informal, idiomatic expression.

lodging a leave application

Uses a more formal term for submitting a leave request.

applying for a furlough

Specifies a particular type of leave, often unpaid.

seeking time away from work

Broadens the scope to any time away from work.

requesting a vacation

Specifies the leave is for vacation purposes.

taking a sabbatical

Implies a longer period of leave, often for academic purposes.

FAQs

How do I use "applying for leave" in a sentence?

You can use "applying for leave" to describe the process of requesting time off. For example: "She is currently applying for leave to attend a conference."

What is a more formal alternative to "applying for leave"?

A more formal alternative would be "submitting a "leave request"" or "requesting a "leave of absence"".

Is "applying for leave" the same as "taking leave"?

"Applying for leave" refers to the process of requesting time off, while "taking leave" refers to the actual period of absence after the leave has been approved.

What information should I include when "applying for leave"?

Typically, you should include the dates of your intended absence, the reason for the leave, and any relevant documentation, such as a doctor's note if it's for medical leave.