leave to return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leave to return" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where someone is requesting permission to leave with the intention of coming back, but it is not commonly used. Example: "I would like to leave to return after the meeting concludes."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

In 1757 Dinwiddie requested leave to return to England.

Britannica

Soon, Mr. Petronio's body will rise and leave (to return only briefly).

The New York Times - Arts

Many of the immigrants leave to return to their homelands or attend other schools.

The New York Times

In return for granting me leave to return to Thailand, my college required that I teach a freshman biology course — online.

The New York Times

In Vienna, Gluck was appointed official court composer, but he soon took leave to return to Paris, where the new version of L'Arbre enchanté in 1775 brought him little success, and the completely rewritten Cythère assiégée proved a failure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nolito admits that he was not really ready for the move to Barcelona – he was big for a start – and he has had to leave to return in triumph.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Difficult, having left, to return.

The New Yorker

The guests left to return to New York.

The New Yorker

Investigators stayed for a time and left to return later.

Cornell University

14. Turn left to return to the pavilion gardens.

The Guardian - Travel

In October, the groom left to return to the apartment in Williamsburg, his passport shows.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leave to return", ensure the context clearly implies a formal request or permission being granted, as this phrasing is less common in everyday conversation. Consider alternatives like "leave with the intent to return" for broader applicability.

Common error

Avoid using "leave to return" in casual or informal settings where simpler phrases like "be back soon" or "will return shortly" would be more appropriate. Using formal phrasing in an informal setting can sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave to return" functions as an infinitive phrase often used to describe the purpose or intent behind a departure. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts where formal requests or permissions are involved. The AI feedback suggests that it's acceptable, though not always the most natural phrasing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leave to return" describes a temporary departure with the intention of coming back. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as acceptable, though not the most common choice, especially in informal communication. It is used to express the purpose behind the temporary departure, often implying a formal context of requesting or being granted permission. Alternatives like "leave with the intent to return" may offer more clarity and naturalness in certain situations. The phrase's usage is relatively rare across various source categories, with more frequent appearances in News & Media, Wiki and Encyclopedia contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave with intent to return

More direct and straightforward, emphasizing the planned nature of the return. Less formal than "leave to return".

request permission to come back

Emphasizes the act of seeking permission for a future return, adding a layer of formality.

ask for time away with the intention of returning

Highlights the temporary nature of the absence and the explicit plan to return.

go with plans to come back

Focuses on the pre-existing intention to return when departing, indicating a planned absence.

depart with the understanding of returning

Stresses a mutual agreement or expectation that a return will occur, suggesting a more formal context.

excuse oneself with the intention of returning

Implies a polite or formal departure with a clear intention to rejoin the group or activity.

take a break with the expectation of returning

Suggests a temporary pause or interruption with a clear anticipation of resuming the previous activity or role.

absent oneself with the plan of returning

Highlights the act of making oneself absent with the specific arrangement of returning later.

go away with the promise to return

Emphasizes a commitment or assurance given regarding a future return, often implying a personal obligation.

withdraw temporarily

Indicates a short-term departure with an implicit understanding of returning to the original position or situation.

FAQs

What does "leave to return" mean?

"Leave to return" typically suggests a formal request or granted permission to depart temporarily with the express intention of coming back.

When is it appropriate to use "leave to return"?

It is most appropriate in contexts where formal permission or leave is being discussed, such as in professional or official scenarios.

What are some alternatives to "leave to return"?

You can use alternatives like "leave with intent to return", "request permission to come back", or "be excused to return" depending on the context.

Is "leave to return" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "leave to return" is less common. It's generally acceptable but might sound slightly awkward compared to more common alternatives. Ludwig AI recognizes it but suggests considering rephrasing for clarity.