is on leave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is on leave" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to an employee being granted a temporary absence from work, and can be used to explain why someone is not in their usual place of work. For example: "John Smith is on leave this week, so his tasks will have to be taken care of by someone else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Dr. Hauser's automated e-mail reply says he is "on leave, furiously writing a book".

The New York Times

Katrin Bennhold is on leave.

The New York Times

Mr. Fleishman is on leave, a Primary Global spokesman said.

The New York Times

She is on leave from the Wayland (Mass).

The New York Times - Style

He is on leave as president of the I.B.F.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Plantadit-Bageot is on leave from "Saturday Night Fever".

The New York Times - Arts

He is on leave following his arrest, an official at the bank said.

The New York Times

The coach, Lúcio Antunes, is on leave from his day job as an air-traffic controller.

The Economist

He is on leave from Yahoo and expected to return at some point.

The New York Times

Mr. Levy, who is on leave from his job as a Citigroup executive, would not comment.

The New York Times

Two midwives from my team have phoned in sick and another is on leave.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is on leave", specify the reason for the leave if it adds important context (e.g., medical leave, sabbatical, parental leave) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "leave". For example, it's "on leave", not "in leave" or "at leave".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is on leave" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a person or entity being temporarily absent from a duty, job, or position. It modifies the subject of the sentence, indicating their current status. Ludwig AI confirms this is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is on leave" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate that someone is temporarily absent from their work or duties. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples shows its widespread usage in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, it's helpful to provide additional context regarding the type of leave. Alternatives such as "is temporarily absent" or "is taking time off" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is currently off work

This phrase is a simple and direct way to indicate that someone is not working for a temporary period.

is taking time off

A common and general way to describe a temporary absence from work or other responsibilities.

is temporarily absent

This alternative is a more general way of expressing absence, without specifying the reason or duration of the absence.

is on extended leave

Highlights that the duration of the leave is longer than usual.

is taking a sabbatical

This phrase specifically refers to a longer period of leave, often for academic or research purposes, implying a planned absence.

is enjoying a leave of absence

Emphasizes the positive aspect of being on leave, suggesting it's a voluntary and perhaps enjoyable break.

is on a break

This suggests a short-term absence, potentially for rest or personal time.

is not currently working

This alternative simply states that the person is not employed at the moment, though it doesn't clarify if it's temporary.

is on furlough

This suggests a mandatory temporary leave, often due to economic reasons, which is a more specific type of leave.

is on detached duty

Implies absence to perform temporary duties in a different location or capacity.

FAQs

How do I use "is on leave" in a sentence?

Use "is on leave" to indicate someone is temporarily absent from their job or duty. For example: "The professor "is on leave" for the semester to conduct research".

What are some alternatives to "is on leave"?

Alternatives include "is temporarily absent", "is taking time off", or "is on a sabbatical" depending on the reason and duration of the absence.

What is the difference between "is on leave" and "is on vacation"?

"Is on vacation" implies a break specifically for leisure and relaxation, whereas "is on leave" is a broader term that can include vacation, medical leave, sabbatical, or other reasons for temporary absence.

Is it correct to say "are on leave" instead of "is on leave"?

Yes, use "are on leave" when referring to multiple people. For example: "The project team members "are on leave" this week".