leaving for good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leaving for good" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically implies that someone is leaving a place, job, or a relationship for an indefinite amount of time, and possibly never returning. For example: After months of fighting, they decided to part ways, leaving for good.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It may consider leaving for good.

The Economist

He added, "I think we're leaving for good".

The New York Times - Arts

Now!" I told him to pay me what he owed - I was leaving for good.

The Guardian - Books

Came back on to have one more before leaving for good.

The Guardian - Sport

But he stuck around for another six months before leaving for good.

The New York Times

Before leaving for good, Mr. King went clamming one last time off Napeague.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Eurídice left for good.

The New York Times - Magazine

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

Within a year, she left for good.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leaving for good", ensure the context clearly indicates the finality of the departure. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the object or place being left if it is not immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "leaving for good" when the context suggests a temporary absence. The phrase implies a definitive end, so ensure this is the intended meaning to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaving for good" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a permanent departure. It modifies a verb, emphasizing the finality of the action. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase clarifies the lasting nature of leaving.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

13%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leaving for good" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a permanent departure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, primarily in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the finality of the departure. The phrase carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for many situations. While alternatives like "departing permanently" or "relocating indefinitely" exist, "leaving for good" effectively conveys the message of a definitive end.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

departing permanently

Emphasizes the lasting nature of the departure.

severing ties for good

Focuses on ending relationships or connections permanently.

relocating indefinitely

Highlights the lack of a return date.

vacating permanently

Emphasizes the act of leaving a place without intent to return.

withdrawing definitively

Highlights a clear and irreversible removal.

exiting for the long haul

Uses a more informal expression for a sustained departure.

terminating indefinitely

Suggests an open-ended cessation of something.

retiring permanently

Implies a final departure from a job or career.

abandoning completely

Stresses the act of leaving something behind without return.

forsaking forever

A more dramatic and emphatic way of saying leaving for good.

FAQs

What does "leaving for good" mean?

The phrase "leaving for good" means departing permanently, with no intention of returning. It signifies a final and irreversible departure from a place, situation, or relationship.

What are some alternatives to "leaving for good"?

You can use alternatives like "departing permanently", "relocating indefinitely", or "exiting for the long haul" depending on the context.

How do I use "leaving for good" in a sentence?

Use "leaving for good" to emphasize the finality of someone's departure. For example, "After years of working there, she decided she was "leaving for good".".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "leaving for good"?

Yes, it is incorrect if the departure is temporary or if there is an expectation of return. The phrase should only be used when the intent is to convey a permanent absence.