leaving at once

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leaving at once" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an immediate departure or action without delay. Example: "Upon receiving the urgent message, she decided on leaving at once to address the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In this case — with everyone leaving at once and dissolving the company, that provision is moot.

The New York Times

That is what happened in Lebanon's civil war, but there the stakes were lower.Given the unappetising prospect either of staying the course or leaving at once, Americans long for a middle way.

The Economist

As I left the park, I was struck by the huge crowds all leaving at once, and by the supreme good humor — of the crowds, the volunteers, the security officials, the uniformed people who did not seem to have a clear reason to be there.

The New York Times - Sports

Veteran soccer fans who live in these districts may end up being called upon to counter the negative stereotypes of the sport at public meetings, including the arguments that soccer fans are hooligans or that 25,000 people leaving at once will create a traffic nightmare.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I leave at once".

The New Yorker

Amini was told to leave at once.

The New Yorker

Leaders of both left at once for London to be near their hero.

The Economist

When Gloria's parents found out about Salvatore, they decided to leave at once.

The New Yorker

Achatz was left at once hopeful and scared of a recurrence.

The New Yorker

[Geraldine gets back in the car.] Geraldine: I wish to leave at once.

The New York Times - Magazine

On this occasion, she meekly left at once for Montreal — with Guay.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leaving at once", ensure the context clearly indicates an immediate and often urgent departure. Consider alternatives like "departing immediately" for a more formal tone.

Common error

While "leaving at once" is acceptable, it can sound less sophisticated in formal writing. Opt for alternatives such as "departing immediately" or "exiting without delay" in business or academic settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaving at once" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the timing of an action. It specifies that the action of leaving should occur immediately. Ludwig examples show it used to describe immediate departures in various situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leaving at once" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to convey a sense of urgency and immediacy regarding a departure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears in various contexts such as news reports and general discussions. For more formal situations, alternatives like "departing immediately" may be more appropriate. Remember to use "leaving at once" when you want to emphasize the promptness and lack of delay in someone's departure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

departing immediately

Emphasizes the promptness of departure with a more formal tone.

exiting without delay

Highlights the lack of hesitation or waiting before leaving.

going right away

A more colloquial way of expressing immediate departure.

making an immediate exit

Focuses on the act of exiting and its immediacy.

taking off instantly

Implies a quick and sudden departure, often used informally.

quitting without hesitation

Emphasizes the decisiveness and speed of leaving a situation.

retiring on the spot

Suggests immediate departure from a job or role.

withdrawing forthwith

A formal and somewhat archaic way of saying leaving immediately.

clearing out promptly

Focuses on the act of removing oneself quickly from a place.

absconding at once

Implies a hurried and often secretive departure.

FAQs

What does "leaving at once" mean?

"Leaving at once" means departing or exiting immediately, without any delay.

How can I use "leaving at once" in a sentence?

You can use "leaving at once" to describe a situation where someone needs to depart urgently. For example, "Upon hearing the news, they decided on "leaving at once".

What can I say instead of "leaving at once"?

You can use alternatives like "departing immediately", "exiting without delay", or "going right away" depending on the context.

Is "leaving at once" formal or informal?

"Leaving at once" is generally considered neutral, but it can be perceived as slightly less formal. For formal settings, consider using "departing immediately".