depart at once

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depart at once" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where immediate action is required, often in formal or urgent situations. Example: "The commander ordered the troops to depart at once to ensure they reached the destination before nightfall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

At one point General [later Field Marshal] Bernard Montgomery ordered him to depart at once and come on leave to Cairo, but received a telegram saying he had misunderstood, and that Major Leigh Fermor was enjoying himself enormously and did not want any leave.

The Guardian

TO prepare for the biggest traffic jam — Sunday night, when all those private jets try to depart at once — NetJets, Swift Aviation and several others are planning to set up reception centers and lounges to entertain private-jet passengers experiencing long waits.

The New York Times

Mallet respectfully told him that the Government had asked them to depart at once.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For Spieth, they both departed at once, leaving him muttering to himself, gesturing in confusion toward caddie Michael Greller and nervously flexing his suddenly hostile clubs in his hands, again and again.

Los Angeles Times

George Packer describes Steavenson's reportage as "at once a disturbing evocation of the world of the departed regime and a moral investigation into personal guilt for collective evil".

The New Yorker

A political system attuned to the votes of minority constituencies would never have entertained a plan as scandalous as the one Theresa May came up with in 2013, to send vans into ethnically diverse neighbourhoods warning people with no legal status to depart the country at once.

The Guardian

He is married to a person at once present and departed — a wife afflicted with early-onset Alzheimer's, who now lives with her family in Australia.

The New Yorker

Arriving in the nation's capital just as the Jewish Sabbath was concluding on Jan . 3 Kaskel called at once upon Cincinnati's departing Republican congressman, John Addison Gurley, who enjoyed ready access to the White House.

The New York Times

William of Ockham, for instance, held that if the form of corporeity were not distinct from the intellective soul and were not essentially present in the human being both during his life and after the intellective soul departs at death, then once a saint had died it would be false to say that the body that remains is the body that saint ever had.

SEP

The majority of fans arrive and depart using public transport, and they recognise that if 30,000 people want to leave the stadium all at once it is going to be difficult.

BBC

He finally departs at about 11 PM and the adults are so tired that they have to retire at once.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "depart at once" in formal instructions or narratives to convey a sense of urgency and immediate action. For less formal situations, consider using "leave immediately".

Common error

Avoid using "depart at once" in casual conversation; it can sound overly formal or theatrical. Opt for more common phrases like "leave now" or "go immediately" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depart at once" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone to leave immediately. Ludwig's examples show it being used in commands and urgent requests, such as ordering troops or responding to emergencies.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depart at once" is a formal phrase used to command immediate departure, often found in news, media, and historical contexts. While grammatically correct, its formality makes it less suitable for casual conversation. Ludwig highlights its function as an imperative, used to convey urgency and ensure swift action. For less formal settings, consider alternatives like "leave immediately". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is appropriate in formal contexts requiring a sense of urgency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave immediately

Emphasizes the lack of delay in leaving.

exit instantly

Highlights the immediate action of leaving a place.

go forthwith

A more formal and archaic way of saying 'go immediately'.

commence departure immediately

A more formal and slightly redundant way of saying 'depart immediately'.

take off right away

Focuses on the start of a journey without delay.

be off this instant

Emphasizes the urgency and immediacy of leaving.

begone instantly

A more forceful and commanding way of saying 'leave immediately'.

start off right now

Emphasizes beginning a journey or task without any delay.

make haste and leave

Highlights both the speed and act of departing.

scram now

An informal way of telling someone to leave immediately.

FAQs

What does "depart at once" mean?

The phrase "depart at once" means to leave or go away immediately without delay. It emphasizes urgency and is often used in formal or serious contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "depart at once"?

It's appropriate to use "depart at once" when giving a direct order or indicating an urgent need for someone to leave. It suits formal or serious situations, such as military commands or emergency instructions.

Are there less formal alternatives to "depart at once"?

Yes, less formal alternatives include phrases like "leave immediately", "go now", or "get out of here", depending on the context and level of urgency.

How does "depart at once" differ from "leave immediately"?

While both phrases convey a sense of urgency, "depart at once" is generally more formal and forceful than "leave immediately". The choice depends on the tone and context of the communication.