left for the day

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left for the day" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like this: "After a long day of work, I finally left for the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

His secretary said he had left for the day.

The New York Times

His office said yesterday afternoon that he had left for the day.

The New York Times

By that time, staff members who were present said, many people had left for the day.

The New York Times

And what happens to Zeus when everyone has left for the day?

The Guardian

Stephie, if Altrice calls back, tell her I've left for the day.

The New York Times

When I left for the day on Friday, I wished my coworkers a nice weekend, and went home.

Stanford University

The piece fell long after the construction workers had left for the day, presumably because of driving rain.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Jenkins was never happy with the arrangement and finally left for the Sunday Times.

The Guardian

The Explosive Finale to Vic's story they left for the Sunday edition.

The Guardian

The cool of the evening was rolling in, and several of the men left for the Wednesday actor's discount dinner at Sardi's on West 44th Street.

The New York Times

There are still a few seats left for the Tuesday dinner beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets, available online, are $225 per guest.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing in a formal context, ensure that the subject of the sentence is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity about who is leaving.

Common error

Avoid using "left for the day" when referring to a multi-day event or activity. This phrase is specifically for single-day departures; instead, clarify the duration with alternatives like "left for the weekend" or "left the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left for the day" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a completed action of departure. It signifies that someone has finished their activities or duties for the day and has departed. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left for the day" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's departure after completing their tasks for the day. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in various contexts, predominantly in news and media, and is generally considered to have a neutral to professional register. While alternatives exist, "left for the day" remains a straightforward and widely understood expression for indicating the end of someone's daily activities and their subsequent departure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

departed for the day

Replaces "left" with "departed", emphasizing the act of leaving.

gone for the day

Substitutes "left" with "gone", indicating absence for the remainder of the day.

left work for the day

More explicit about leaving the workplace.

finished for the day

Focuses on the completion of work rather than the act of leaving.

exited for the day

A more formal way of saying "left", suitable for professional contexts.

called it a day

An idiomatic expression meaning to stop working on something.

clocked out for the day

Specifically refers to ending work by clocking out.

signed off for the day

Often used in digital communication, implying ending online activity for the day.

took off for the day

Suggests a more casual or informal departure.

wrapped up for the day

Implies that all tasks for the day have been completed.

FAQs

What does "left for the day" mean?

The phrase "left for the day" means that someone has departed from a location, typically a workplace or event, and will not return until the next day. It indicates the completion of their activities or duties for that particular day.

How can I use "left for the day" in a sentence?

You can use "left for the day" in a sentence to indicate someone's departure after completing their work or activities. For example, "The construction crew "departed for the day" after finishing the foundation."

What are some alternatives to saying "left for the day"?

Some alternatives to "left for the day" include "finished for the day", "gone for the day", or "called it a day", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "left for the day" in formal writing?

Yes, it is generally appropriate to use "left for the day" in formal writing, especially when describing someone's departure from a workplace or professional setting. However, ensure the context aligns with formal tone, avoiding overly casual or colloquial language.