i'm leaving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I'm leaving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that you are departing from a place or situation, often in a personal or informal context. Example: "After a long day at work, I'm leaving to enjoy some time at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'm leaving now".

The New Yorker

That's why I'm leaving".

The New Yorker

I'm leaving him alone".

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm leaving," he said.

The New York Times

So I'm leaving now.

The New Yorker

"I'm leaving now," he said.

The New Yorker

I said I'm leaving, Angie".

The New Yorker

And I'm leaving.

The New York Times

"I'm leaving forever.

The New Yorker

"I'm leaving this school".

The New Yorker

I'm leaving Radio 1.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of "i'm leaving". It can range from casual to dramatic, so tailor your word choice and surrounding sentences to match the intended emotion.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "i'm leaving" without providing any explanation or transition. This can make your writing feel abrupt and disjointed. Instead, vary your phrasing and provide sufficient context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i'm leaving" primarily functions as an intransitive declaration of departure. It's a statement indicating that the speaker is in the process of going away or terminating their presence in a specific location or situation. This is supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i'm leaving" is a versatile and common phrase used to declare one's departure, according to Ludwig. It functions as a clear statement of intention, applicable in various scenarios from casual conversations to more formal announcements. While grammatically straightforward and widely accepted, considering the context and potential for abruptness is advisable. As Ludwig confirms, alternatives like "i'm departing" or "i'm heading out" can offer different shades of formality or emphasis. Predominantly found in news and media, its usage spans across diverse platforms like wiki, demonstrating its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i'm departing

This alternative is a more formal way to say goodbye.

i'm heading out

This alternative implies a more casual departure.

i'm going away

This alternative suggests a longer or more significant departure.

i'm off

This alternative is a shorter and more informal way to say goodbye.

i'm out of here

This alternative emphasizes a desire to leave the current location.

i must be going

This alternative is a polite way to indicate departure.

i'm taking my leave

This alternative is a formal and somewhat old-fashioned way to say goodbye.

i'm abandoning

This alternative is used when someone is leaving a place or a person in a moment of difficulty.

i'm excusing myself

This alternative is a polite way to leave a social situation.

i'm resigning

This alternative applies specifically to leaving a job or position.

FAQs

What does "i'm leaving" mean?

The phrase "i'm leaving" means that someone is departing from a place, a situation, or a relationship. It is a straightforward declaration of one's intention to go away or quit.

What can I say instead of "i'm leaving"?

You can use alternatives like "i'm departing", "i'm heading out", or "i'm off depending on the context".

Is "i'm leaving" appropriate in formal writing?

While "i'm leaving" is grammatically correct, it's generally considered informal. In formal writing, more appropriate alternatives might be "i am departing" or "i am taking my leave".

How can I make "i'm leaving" sound less abrupt?

To soften the impact of "i'm leaving", add context or a reason for your departure. For example, you could say "i'm leaving now, but I'll be back later" or "i'm leaving because I have another appointment".