leave between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leave between" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a concept of leaving something in a space or gap, but it lacks clarity without additional context. Example: "Please leave between the two chairs for easy access."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Mr Chrétien himself recently amended his timetable, saying he will leave "between now and February".If he does go this month, few Canadians will object.

The Economist

Boats leave between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., and food is served as you sit on tatami mats.

The New York Times - Travel

With less than a month to go before most GCSEs, the best gap to leave between self-tests is about three days.

The Guardian

In 1830, the world's first passenger railway, the Liverpool & Manchester, announced that on Sundays no trains would leave between 10 in the morning and four in the afternoon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Less commonly, large areas that are pulled apart and subside leave between them an elevated block with steep slopes on both sides.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The buses leave between 4 and 6 a.m., and the seven-hour trip costs 120,000 Vietnamese dong (about $6.35 at 19,000 dong to the dollar).

The New York Times - Travel

On the phone, Alexandra told me the hours were tough ("I leave between midnight if I'm lucky and four when I'm less lucky").

Independent

NHS figures show there were more than 18,490 "delayed transfers of care" – people still in hospital despite being fit to leave – between 19 December and New Year's Day, at a cost of just over £4.8m.

The Guardian

Parents and small business owners were keen to share their views following Nick Clegg's announcements on changes to flexible working hours and splitting maternity leave between mothers and fathers.

The Guardian

We would arrive at the mine at 7am and leave between 7 and 9pm every day with no days off at all as the pressure to get the specimen out of the way was intense.

The Guardian

Employees have until July 21 to accept a buyout and will leave between Aug. 1 and Sept. 2. Longs, based in Walnut Creek, Calif., has about 22,000 workers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you want to indicate separation, "gap between" is a good solution.

Common error

Avoid using "leave between" when referring to leaving something in a space. Instead, clarify the relationship. For example, use "leave a space between" or "leave some room between" to clearly communicate the intended spatial arrangement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave between" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often intended to describe spatial or temporal relationships. However, according to Ludwig, it is often grammatically incorrect or lacks clarity and needs to be used with caution.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "leave between" appears in various contexts, including news, scientific articles, and wikis, Ludwig AI identifies it as potentially incorrect or lacking clarity. It's intended to indicate spatial or temporal separation, but more precise alternatives like "space between", "interval between", or "distance between" are often preferable. When communicating in formal or professional settings, replacing "leave between" with a more explicit term improves clarity and reduces the risk of misinterpretation. Therefore, carefully consider the context and choose the most accurate and unambiguous phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

space between

Focuses on the physical gap or interval that exists.

interval between

Highlights the period or distance separating two points or events.

gap between

Emphasizes a distinct separation or discontinuity.

distance between

Stresses the measurement of separation in physical space or time.

time between

Specifically refers to the duration separating events.

pause between

Implies a temporary cessation or break.

interlude between

Suggests a brief intervening period or event.

break between

Denotes an interruption or respite.

room between

Highlights the availability of space for movement or placement.

margin between

Indicates a boundary or allowance for variation.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "leave between" correctly?

While the phrase "leave between" isn't always grammatically correct, it can be used when the intended meaning is clear from the context. However, it's often better to use more precise alternatives like "space between" or "distance between" for clarity.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "leave between"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "gap between", "interval between", or "room between". The best choice depends on whether you are referring to physical space, time, or some other kind of separation.

Is "leave between" grammatically correct in all contexts?

No, "leave between" is not always grammatically correct. It is often vague and can be misinterpreted. It's advisable to use more specific alternatives to ensure clear communication. Ludwig AI also identifies this lack of clarity.

What's the difference between "leave between" and "leave a space between"?

"Leave a space between" is more explicit and grammatically sound. While "leave between" is sometimes used, it lacks the clarity of specifying that something (a space) should be left. Opt for "leave a space between" for better understanding.