leave for good

USAGE SUMMARY

"leave for good" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone is leaving a situation or location permanently, such as a job, home, or a relationship. For example: After years of working at the same company, he decided to leave for good and pursue his own business.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

As things stand, some 45 of the firm's employees will now have to leave for good.

The Economist

And then, the night before he was to leave for good, he called, and I went.

The New York Times

Other say they want to leave for good — and their parents want them to, as well.

The New York Times

"To save myself," he had said in 1970, "I finally had to leave for good..

The Guardian - Books

When the two of them leave for good, they will leave a pretty big vacuum.

The Guardian - Sport

You had the chance to leave for good; you had one foot out the door.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Eurídice left for good.

The New York Times - Magazine

It may consider leaving for good.

The Economist

And now —       you've left for good.

The New Yorker

Finally Dad left for good.

The New York Times - Magazine

And now— you've left for good.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing relocation, clarify the destination to provide more context. For example, "They decided to leave for good and move to Canada".

Common error

Avoid using "leave for good" when referring to temporary absences or vacations. This phrase specifically implies a permanent departure, so ensure the context accurately reflects the intention to not return. For temporary departures, consider using phrases like "leave for a while" or "go away temporarily".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave for good" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating the manner or duration of leaving. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English and provides examples demonstrating its function. It specifies that the act of leaving is permanent and without intention to return, as showcased in many of the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leave for good" is a commonly used prepositional phrase signifying a permanent departure with no intention of returning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility. It appears frequently in news and media, as well as informal writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of a lasting and irreversible departure. Be mindful of potential misinterpretations when discussing temporary absences. Consider contextually appropriate alternatives like "depart permanently" or "abandon for good" for formal contexts or specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depart permanently

Focuses on the act of leaving with no intention of return, emphasizing the lasting nature of the departure.

exit permanently

Focuses on the action of going out of the place for ever.

quit for good

Indicates a final resignation or abandonment of a role or activity.

move away permanently

Emphasizes the act of changing residence with no plan to return.

relocate for good

Specifies the act of moving to a different location with the intent to stay there permanently.

withdraw definitively

Suggests a formal and decisive removal from a situation or commitment.

abandon for good

Suggests a complete and irreversible desertion or relinquishment.

retire permanently

Implies a final departure from a career or job.

disappear permanently

Implies a complete cessation of presence or visibility.

forsake forever

Emphasizes the emotional and moral commitment to never return or re-engage.

FAQs

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

You can use "leave for good" to describe a permanent departure from a place, job, or relationship. For example, "After the scandal, he decided to "leave for good" and start a new life abroad".

What's a less common way to say "leave for good"?

Alternatives to "leave for good" include phrases like "depart permanently", "quit for good", or "abandon for good", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "leave for good" in formal writing?

Yes, "leave for good" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal writing, although more formal alternatives like "withdraw definitively" may be preferred in certain contexts.

What is the difference between "leave for good" and "leave temporarily"?

"Leave for good" implies a permanent departure with no intention of returning, while "leave temporarily" indicates a plan to return at some point in the future.