leaving for a while

USAGE SUMMARY

"leaving for a while" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe something that is happening over a brief period of time. For example, "I'm leaving for a while, so I'll see you in a few weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

More important has been the opportunity of leaving for a while the ivory tower of theoretical physics research, and making contact with the world outside.

The Guardian - Books

That's it from me, although it doesn't look like anyone at St James' is leaving for a while, as "We are the Geordies" rings around the stadium.

The Guardian - Sport

Even though I'd been talking about leaving for a while to set up my own business, I freaked out, and immediately found another job in a similar field.

The Guardian

In an interview, she said: "You get so busy that you forget you're leaving for a while, but it finally hit me the other day when I was going through the yearbook.

The New York Times

"I've been thinking about leaving for a while," he said.

Los Angeles Times

Let them know that, yes, although mom and dad will be leaving for a while, they will always come back.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

So I left for a while.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"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

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "leaving for a while", ensure the context clarifies the expected duration of absence to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "leaving for a while to attend a conference" or "leaving for a while, approximately three weeks".

Common error

Avoid using "leaving for a while" to describe permanent departures. This phrase implies a return, so using it in contexts where the absence is intended to be indefinite can be misleading. Instead, use phrases like "moving on" or "permanently relocating".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaving for a while" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a temporary departure. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI's analysis which identifies the phrase as correct and usable in written English to describe something happening over a brief period of time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leaving for a while" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate a temporary departure. While the exact duration remains unspecified, Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, primarily within news and media. When using this phrase, clarify the intended duration to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "heading out for a bit" or "taking a temporary break" can offer nuanced expressions of the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave for a while

The base form of the phrase, grammatically identical but potentially used in different sentence structures.

leaving for a minute

Indicates a very short absence. Directly specifies a brief timeframe, unlike "leaving for a while" which is more ambiguous.

leaving for a moment

Similar to "leaving for a minute" but can be slightly more ambiguous about the precise duration.

heading for a while

Emphasizes the act of moving towards a destination with the intention of staying there temporarily. Implies direction more strongly than "leaving for a while".

living for a while

Suggests establishing temporary residence somewhere, implying a longer duration or deeper immersion than simply "leaving for a while".

traveling for a while

Suggests a journey and exploration, implying movement between places and experiences during the absence.

travelling for a while

British English spelling variant of "traveling for a while". Same meaning, different spelling convention.

quitting for a while

Specifically refers to temporarily stopping an activity or job; it is more specific than "leaving for a while" which can apply to various situations.

retiring for a while

Implies a temporary cessation of work or professional activities. Carries a connotation of rest or withdrawal, not just departure.

neglecting for a while

Suggests temporary oversight or inattention, with different semantic implications than physical departure.

FAQs

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

You can use "leaving for a while" to indicate a temporary departure. For example, "I'm "leaving for a while" to visit my family" or "She's "leaving for a while" to pursue a new project".

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

Alternatives include "heading out for a bit", "taking a temporary break", or "disappearing for a spell", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "leaving for a while" or should I use another phrase?

"Leaving for a while" is a perfectly acceptable and common phrase to indicate a temporary departure. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "leaving for a while" imply about the duration of the absence?

"Leaving for a while" suggests a temporary absence, but the exact duration is not specified. It could range from a few days to a few months. For a more precise duration, consider using alternatives like "leaving for a few weeks" or "going away temporarily".