extended absence

USAGE SUMMARY

"extended absence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a prolonged period of being away or absent from a place or activity. Example: Due to his extended absence from work, John had to delegate his tasks to his colleagues until he returned from his trip.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fassel preferred to wait until Mitchell has more tests before making a definitive statement, but the coach did not rule out an extended absence.

The New York Times - Sports

Almost one in five (18%) of those subjected to bullying said they ended up taking extended absence leave as a result, while 22% said they left the job.

The Guardian

Political life already demands a lot from politicians: long working hours, extended absence from families, intense media scrutiny and nasty public attacks.

The Guardian - Opinion

She was later profiled in a public relations article that failed to mention her extended absence.

Huffington Post

Barring an extended absence, he is expected to continue playing on a top pairing with defenseman John Carlson.

The Washington Post

Plus, San Antonio was 7-8 during his extended absence in December and January, before going on a 10-3 ruponpon his return.

Los Angeles Times

In your extended absence, you permit me.

The New Yorker

Davenport's hammer of a forehand seemed to have survived her extended absence.

The New York Times

But the news of Mutombo's extended absence but a damper on the atmosphere.

The New York Times - Sports

Any extended absence for Parisse would considerably weaken Jacques Brunel's options.

The Guardian - Sport

Golf, not just McIlroy, would feel the impact of any extended absence.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an employee's time off, be specific about the reason for the "extended absence" to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "extended absence" when referring to truancy or unapproved time off. "Extended absence" usually implies the absence is known, approved, or at least officially documented, so it's best used for scenarios like medical leave or sabbatical. Use terms like "unexplained absence" or "unauthorized leave" for unapproved situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extended absence" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of being away for a prolonged period. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extended absence" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a prolonged period of being away, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's generally neutral in tone and applicable in various contexts, including news, sports, and business. While alternatives like "prolonged leave" or "lengthy leave of absence" exist, "extended absence" offers a versatile option for most situations. Remember to use this phrase when the absence is officially recognized and avoid it when referring to unapproved time off.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prolonged leave

Focuses specifically on authorized time away, often from work or school.

lengthy leave of absence

Emphasizes the formal aspect of taking time off with permission.

protracted absence

Implies the absence lasted longer than initially expected or desired.

long-term absence

Highlights the duration of the absence, focusing on its long-lasting impact.

extended period away

A more general phrase that can apply to any situation where someone is away for a long time.

significant time off

Emphasizes the amount of time taken away from regular duties.

long-lasting break

Suggests a complete cessation of activity for an extended duration.

lengthy detachment

Implies a separation or disconnection from a previous role or environment for a considerable time.

considerable hiatus

Highlights a noticeable gap or interruption in a continuous sequence or activity.

long-drawn-out absence

Emphasizes the tedious or unwelcome length of the absence.

FAQs

How can I use "extended absence" in a sentence?

You can use "extended absence" to describe someone's prolonged time away from work, school, or other regular activities. For example: "Due to illness, she took an "extended absence" from her job."

What are some alternatives to "extended absence"?

Alternatives include "prolonged leave", "lengthy leave of absence", or "protracted absence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "extended absence" formal or informal?

"Extended absence" is considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "lengthy leave of absence".

What is the difference between "extended absence" and "leave of absence"?

"Leave of absence" is a broader term referring to any authorized period away from work or school. "Extended absence" implies that the leave is of a significant duration. Therefore, an "extended absence" is a type of "leave of absence".