leave of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leave of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of taking a break or absence from work or duty, often referred to as "leave of absence." Example: "She requested a leave of absence to care for her sick parent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a leave of absence.

The New York Times

I had taken a leave of absence.

Independent

The visitors took their leave of Litvinenko.

The Guardian

I had a little leave of absence.

The New York Times

The girls take leave of their thongs.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Our media's taken leave of its senses.

The Guardian

I have since taken a leave of absence.

The New Yorker

She is now on a leave of absence.

The New York Times

The most they can do is take "leave of absence".

Independent

He took a leave of absence "to do research".

The New Yorker

Councillors voted to request he take a leave of absence.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing formal periods of absence, especially from work, use "leave of absence" to clearly communicate the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid misusing prepositions that could alter the intended meaning. For example, "leave for" indicates departing toward a destination, which is different from taking a "leave of" absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave of" primarily functions as part of a prepositional phrase, most commonly in the expression "leave of absence". Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in this context. The phrase indicates a temporary or authorized departure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leave of" is most commonly encountered within the expression "leave of absence", denoting an authorized period away from work or other duties. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as formal and business communications. While grammatically sound, it's important to distinguish "leave of" from other prepositional usages like "leave for", which indicate a destination. As such, precision in usage ensures clarity and avoids misinterpretation. Related phrases such as "absence from" or "time off from" can be alternatives depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time off from

Highlights a period of rest or recreation away from regular duties.

taking leave from

Highlights the action of requesting or being granted permission to be absent.

absence from

Focuses on the state of being away from a place or duty.

departure from

Emphasizes the act of going away from a location or situation.

a break from

Indicates a temporary cessation of activity or involvement.

withdrawal from

Describes the act of removing oneself from participation or involvement.

resignation from

Implies a more permanent departure from a position or role.

relinquishing of

Suggests a formal surrender of something, like a position or right.

cessation of

Indicates the ending of an activity or state.

detachment from

Suggests a separation or disengagement from something, often emotional or ideological.

FAQs

How is "leave of absence" typically used in a sentence?

It's often used to describe a period when someone is away from their job or studies. For example, "She requested a "leave of absence" to care for her family".

What are some alternatives to "leave of absence"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "time off", "break from work", or "sabbatical".

What's the difference between "leave of absence" and resignation?

"Leave of absence" implies a temporary break with the intention of returning, while resignation means permanently leaving a position.

Is it correct to say "take a leave" instead of "take a leave of absence"?

While you can "take a leave", specifying "take a leave of absence" is clearer and more commonly used in formal contexts to indicate an authorized period away from duties.