asking for leave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asking for leave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting permission to be absent from work or other obligations. Example: "I am writing to you today asking for leave to attend a family event next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In asking for leave to go to Sikkim (now part of India), she told her professor the tale.

The New York Times - Arts

The figures her debtors are asking for leave her in receipt of less per week than she is supposed to be paying out.

The Guardian - Money

His first gesture is to place a formal petition on Claudius's desk asking for leave to return to Wittenberg: a request that is insultingly overlooked.

The Guardian

According to a DOT press release last week, Santa admitted that he did not have a federal air marshal on board when asking for leave to fly over U.S. territory.

Science Magazine

In my original piece, a Q&A with Cammarata, he recalled asking for leave in the early 1970s, back when he was a young teacher who wanted to spend more time with his newborn daughter.

Huffington Post

The other day at our staff meeting, you raised your voice and told me that I was being inconsiderate by asking for leave next week when the workload is piling up.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In an interview with the New York Times, the owners of the home stated that Nelson Coates knocked on their door asking for leaves.

Wikipedia

Sign up to yahoo answers and leave great helpful comments to questions people are asking for, leaving a link back to your site with more helpful tips on it.

WikiHow

(Another Microsoft motion asks for leave from that rule).

The New York Times

"Why should our women co-workers have to have these awkward conversations or ask for leave?

The Guardian

Do not hesitate to ask for leave if you need it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "asking for leave", be specific about the dates and reason for your absence to ensure clarity and facilitate the approval process.

Common error

Avoid using extremely casual language when "asking for leave", especially in formal work environments. Maintain a professional tone in your request.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asking for leave" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a request or application for a period of absence from a job, duty, or obligation. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "asking for leave" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that indicates a request for permission to be absent. As Ludwig confirms, it appears most frequently in news and media, and its register can range from neutral to professional depending on the context. While "asking for leave" is appropriate, related phrases such as "requesting time off" or "submitting a leave request" might provide more specific or formal alternatives. When using this phrase, it's best to be clear about dates and reasons to facilitate a smooth approval process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requesting time off

Focuses on the action of requesting, using a more general term for absence.

seeking permission for absence

Highlights the act of seeking permission, emphasizing the state of being absent.

applying for a leave of absence

Formal phrasing emphasizing the formal application process.

requesting a furlough

Specifically denotes a temporary leave, often unpaid, typically in a business context.

putting in for leave

More informal phrasing, indicating the act of submitting a leave request.

submitting a leave request

Highlights the act of formally submitting a request.

seeking a break from work

A more general term for wanting time away from work.

asking for a vacation

Specifically requesting leave for vacation purposes.

requesting a sabbatical

Implies a longer leave of absence, often for academic or professional development.

taking a leave of absence

Focuses on the action of taking leave, rather than requesting it.

FAQs

How can I formally use the phrase "asking for leave" in a sentence?

You can use "asking for leave" in a formal context like this: "I am writing to you today, "asking for leave" from my position as [Your Position] from [Start Date] to [End Date] to attend to [Reason for Leave]."

What's a less direct way of "asking for leave"?

Instead of directly "asking for leave", you could say you are "requesting time off" or "seeking permission for absence". These options may sound more polite depending on the context.

What is the difference between "asking for leave" and "taking a leave of absence"?

"Asking for leave" implies the act of requesting permission, while "taking a leave of absence" refers to the state of being on leave. You ask before you take.

Is it appropriate to use "asking for leave" in a professional email?

Yes, "asking for leave" is appropriate for a professional email. However, ensure your email includes specific dates, a reason (if necessary), and a polite tone when "asking for leave".