as if to leave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as if to leave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or behavior that suggests someone is about to depart or exit a situation. Example: "He stood up and gathered his belongings, as if to leave the meeting early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Mr. Circelli made as if to leave.

The New York Times

Pacquiao's publicist, Fred Sternburg, stood up as if to leave.

The New Yorker

Safin, impatient and grim, jumped from his perch and made as if to leave.

The New Yorker

"I got up, as if to leave the room, but one of them said, 'Stay.

The New Yorker

Both carve their names on a battered park bench - she inscribes the words 'Lilya 4-ever' - as if to leave some memorial of their passing by.

The Guardian - Film

(As if to leave no doubt as to his motivations, Rodman appeared on "This Week" wearing a ball cap emblazoned with the Ralph Lauren pony logo and a blazer patterned with American currency).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

We had collected their muslin robes as if to give them leave to depart.

The New Yorker

Shannon spends most of the gig on accordion, but switches to virtuoso penny whistle in the last five minutes, as if wanting to leave us wondering what other instruments she mastered as a child.

The Guardian - Music

But he keeps looking back at the assistant, fascinated, as if reluctant to leave.

The New York Times

The children delayed for a fond moment, as if wanting to leave him alone with his secret a little longer.

The New Yorker

Work is finished for the day, but people are standing around in groups gossiping as if reluctant to leave.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as if to leave" to subtly indicate a character's intention or potential action without explicitly stating they are leaving. This can create suspense or ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as if to leave" when the subject's intention is already clear. This phrase is most effective when suggesting a possibility or an unspoken desire, not stating a known fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as if to leave" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a person's actions that suggest an intention to depart. It introduces a sense of potential action without explicitly stating it, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as if to leave" serves as a subtle yet effective way to suggest an intention or potential action, adding depth and intrigue to writing. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While relatively uncommon, it finds its primary use in news and media, conveying a sense of implied departure without explicitly stating it. When employing this phrase, aim for subtlety and avoid redundancy, ensuring that the unconfirmed intention is the focus. Alternatives such as "appearing to depart" or "seeming about to exit" can offer similar nuances. Overall, "as if to leave" is a valuable tool for writers seeking to create suspense or ambiguity around a character's actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as if preparing to exit

Directly indicates preparations for departure.

appearing to depart

Focuses on the visual impression of someone preparing to leave.

seeming about to exit

Emphasizes the impression that someone is on the verge of exiting.

behaving as though departing

Focuses on the actions and conduct that suggest an intention to leave.

acting as though to go

Highlights the performed action suggesting departure.

giving the air of leaving

Emphasizes the atmosphere or impression created, implying an imminent departure.

making a show of departing

Focuses on the deliberate display or performance of leaving.

giving the impression of leaving

Highlights the perceived intention to leave, possibly misleading.

pretending to go away

Suggests a deceptive or insincere intention to leave.

feigning departure

Implies a false display of leaving, potentially to deceive.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as if to leave"?

You can use alternatives such as "appearing to depart", "seeming about to exit", or "as if preparing to exit" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as if to leave" formal or informal?

The phrase "as if to leave" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The overall tone of your writing will determine its appropriateness.

What does "as if to leave" imply?

It implies that someone is creating the impression that they are about to depart, whether or not they actually intend to do so. It suggests a potential action or a hint of leaving.

How do I use "as if to leave" in a sentence?

Use "as if to leave" to describe a behavior that suggests an imminent departure. For example, "He gathered his belongings, "as if to leave", but then sat back down and continued the discussion".