leave for a while

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leave for a while" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a temporary departure or break from a place or situation. Example: "I need to leave for a while to clear my head and gather my thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"I may leave for a while," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

He might leave for a while when he "gets vacation time".

The New Yorker

"They told us we should leave for a while, five or six months, so we did".

The New York Times

I should have been able to leave for a while in a hurry.

The New York Times

For a quick hydrating face mask, layer on more thickly and leave for a while.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Richie suggests that his two bunkmates leave for a while so that he and Carlyle can have sex.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"I wanted to leave Honduras for a while.

The New York Times

So I left for a while.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When she noticed that nobody was in the other girl's line, she excused herself and left for a while.

The New Yorker

Matheny began his pregame session in the dugout Monday, left for a while to throw batting practice and then resumed.

The New York Times - Sports

She left for a while for Lebanon, then Egypt, but ended up back in Syria soon after; I can only assume she felt compelled to return.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leave for a while" to clearly indicate a temporary departure, ensuring the context implies an eventual return. For example, "I need to leave for a while to clear my head."

Common error

Avoid using "leave for a while" when implying a permanent departure. If the intention is not to return, use phrases like "leave permanently" or "move away for good" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave for a while" functions as a verb phrase indicating a temporary departure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express a temporary absence from a place or situation. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from personal breaks to temporary relocation due to safety concerns.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leave for a while" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a temporary departure, as verified by Ludwig AI. It is important to use it when you intend to return, as misinterpreting the duration of absence is a common error. Alternatives include "depart temporarily" or "step away for a bit". Its neutral register makes it adaptable to diverse communication contexts, although it's most frequently found in news and media sources. Ensure clarity by contrasting it with phrases indicating permanent departures when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depart temporarily

Focuses on the act of leaving with the intention of returning.

step away for a bit

Suggests a brief and informal departure.

take a temporary leave

Emphasizes the formal aspect of taking a break from something.

go away for a period

Highlights the duration of the absence.

retreat for a short time

Implies seeking refuge or solitude during the absence.

be absent for a spell

Uses a more informal and idiomatic expression for temporary absence.

relocate temporarily

Highlights that move is involved, not just a short break.

suspend activities briefly

Focuses on pausing activities rather than physical departure.

take a sabbatical

Implies a longer, more formal period of absence for professional development.

go on hiatus

Commonly used in the context of creative projects or performances, meaning a break or pause.

FAQs

What does "leave for a while" mean?

The phrase "leave for a while" means to depart from a place or situation temporarily, implying an intention to return later. It suggests a short-term absence rather than a permanent departure.

How can I use "leave for a while" in a sentence?

You can use "leave for a while" to describe a temporary absence. For example: "I'm going to "leave for a while" and get some fresh air" or "They told us we should "leave for a while", five or six months, so we did."

What are some alternatives to "leave for a while"?

Alternatives to "leave for a while" include phrases like "depart temporarily", "take a temporary leave", or "step away for a bit" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "leaving for a while"?

Yes, "leaving for a while" is grammatically correct as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating that someone is in the process of departing temporarily. For example: "She is "leaving for a while" to visit her family."