goes on leave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "goes on leave" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to indicate that someone has taken a period of time away from work, such as a vacation. Example: John went on leave for two weeks to visit his family.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I had to inform them gently that the answer was three words, R AND R, as in the time when one goes on leave.

The New York Times - Magazine

Advisors: When a student goes on leave, we generally encourage them to talk with their advisors about their plans and to discuss any academic details of their leave.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This is faster and takes less time than landing to pick things up.The top speed of the K-MAX is only about 100 knots (115mph), but it has all the virtues of unmanned aircraft: it never gets sick, tired or goes on leave.

The Economist

Naz, who has been working for British troops for three years, tells me that when he goes on leave back home near Kabul, he goes "hidingly".

BBC

This burly South African, a former lance-corporal, goes on leave tomorrow.

Vice

That's when his superiors at the Executive Office for Immigration Review re-assigned the case, an "outrageous" step, Tabaddor says, that the agency usually only applies for administrative reasons, such as if a judge retires or goes on leave.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mendel... the list goes on, leaving one to wonder: Is it acceptable to match dress and bijoux?

The New York Times

What does the process of going on leave look like?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

You describe how most of the top officers went on leave after the indictments.

The New Yorker

García Franceschini is now a leave/return mentor, meaning he advises students who are considering going on leave.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In the other half, few teachers returned after going on leave.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "goes on leave", specify the type of leave if it's not clear from the context (e.g., medical leave, parental leave, sabbatical).

Common error

Avoid using the present tense "goes on leave" when referring to a past event. Use "went on leave" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "goes on leave" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone is beginning a period of authorized absence. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, including employment, education, and military service, indicating a temporary departure from regular duties.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

43%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "goes on leave" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon way to express that someone is taking a period of authorized absence from work, school, or other duties. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in news and academic contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone. Related phrases include "takes a leave of absence" and "is on sabbatical", offering alternative ways to convey a similar meaning with slightly different connotations. When employing this phrase, it's useful to specify the type of leave to provide clarity. Remember to use the correct tense ("went on leave" for past events) to avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes a leave of absence

Emphasizes the formal aspect of requesting and being granted leave.

is on sabbatical

Specifically refers to an extended period of leave, often for academic or professional development.

is taking time off

A more general way to describe a break from work or other responsibilities.

is away from work

Focuses on the state of being absent from the workplace.

is on vacation

Implies the leave is for leisure and travel.

is on holiday

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

is off work

A simpler and more direct way of saying someone is not working.

is taking a break

Suggests a temporary pause from regular activities.

is on furlough

Refers to a mandatory temporary leave, often due to economic reasons.

is enjoying leave

Highlights the positive experience of taking time off.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "goes on leave"?

It means they are taking an authorized absence from their job, school, or other regular activity. The reason could be for vacation, medical reasons, or other personal matters.

What can I say instead of "goes on leave"?

You can use alternatives like "takes a leave of absence", "is on sabbatical", or "is taking time off" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "goes on leave" or should it be "go on leave"?

"Goes on leave" is used for the third-person singular (he/she/it), while "go on leave" is used for other subjects (I/you/we/they). For example, "He goes on leave next week" but "They go on leave next week".

What's the difference between "goes on leave" and "goes on vacation"?

"Goes on vacation" specifically implies the leave is for leisure and travel. "Goes on leave" is broader and can include vacation, but also medical leave, parental leave, or other types of absences.