being on leave

USAGE SUMMARY

"being on leave" is correct and usable in written English.
You would typically use this phrase to describe someone who is temporarily not at work due to a period of leave or vacation. For example, "John is being on leave this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Lost in that strand was Lloyd's goodbye to his best mate Steve McDonald, a necessary consequence of actor Simon Gregson being on leave for personal reasons, but one gallantly dealt with in a callback to Steve's recent depression storyline.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

NICOLE TORRES: So, another thing I talked to Maeve about is one of the biggest issues for women who are returning to work after being on leave and that's having the space and time to pump.

Harvard Business Review

"Think about how long you anticipate being on leave," he says.

The Guardian - Money

The only real problem was that several of the dancers were listed as being on leave, especially the principals Katherine Crockett and Christophe Jeannot, and Fang-Yi Sheu, the company's biggest star, wasn't on hand either.

The New York Times - Arts

The Ofsted inspectors faulted the school for its continued reliance on supply teachers and temporary appointments, with a large number of staff having left, being on leave or having been suspended after the fallout.

The Guardian

Being on leave from work freed me from many job responsibilities, but I still had to submit work to editors on deadline.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I am on leave Fall 2018.

Princeton University

The trust maintained that Lowe was "on leave".

The Guardian

University main gate is on left.

Columbia University

Dean of Faculty Mike Smith is on left.

Harvard University

School parking is on left.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formal communications, clarify the type of leave (e.g., maternity leave, sabbatical) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid confusing "leave" (absence) with "live" (to reside). Ensure correct spelling and context to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being on leave" functions as a description of a temporary state of absence, typically from work or other regular duties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being on leave" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned phrase used to describe a temporary absence, particularly from work or academic duties. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is often used in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While "taking time off" serves as a more general synonym, phrases like "taking a leave of absence" and "being off work" offer similar, yet contextually nuanced, alternatives. When using the phrase, be mindful of differentiating "leave" from "live" and clarifying the specific type of leave when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking a leave of absence

Emphasizes the act of initiating the leave, implying a formal arrangement.

having a leave of absence

Focuses on possessing the state of being on leave, similar to taking a leave of absence.

taking time off

A broader term that doesn't necessarily specify the reason for the absence.

being off work

A more general term for not being at work, without specifying the reason.

being temporarily absent

Highlights the temporary nature of the absence.

being away from work

A simple and direct way to state someone is not currently working.

being on sabbatical

Specifically refers to a longer period of leave, often for academic pursuits or rest.

being on furlough

Suggests a mandatory, often temporary, leave of absence, frequently due to economic reasons.

being on vacation

Implies the leave is for recreational purposes.

being on holiday

Similar to "being on vacation", but more common in British English.

FAQs

How can I use "being on leave" in a sentence?

You can use "being on leave" to describe someone's temporary absence from work, such as, "She is "being on leave" for medical reasons." or "He is "being on leave" to attend a conference".

What is a more formal alternative to "being on leave"?

A more formal alternative could be "taking a leave of absence", which emphasizes the act of formally requesting and receiving permission for the leave.

Is it correct to say "being on a leave" instead of "being on leave"?

No, it's generally not correct. The correct phrase is ""being on leave"". The article "a" is not needed before "leave" in this context, as it refers to a general state of absence.

What's the difference between "being on leave" and "taking time off"?

"Being on leave" often implies a formal or authorized absence from work with a specific reason, while "taking time off" is a more general term that doesn't necessarily specify the reason or formality of the absence.