left the service

USAGE SUMMARY

"left the service" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person or group leaving a job, organization, or institution. For example, "After four years of dedicated service, Jack left the service to pursue other opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He left the service in 2003.

The New York Times

He left the service as a captain.

The New York Times

He left the service as a senior airman.

The New York Times

He left the service with the rank of lieutenant.

The New York Times

A decorated soldier he left the service in 1946.

The New York Times

He left the service with the rank of captain.

The New York Times

I left the service in 2010, after my fifth deployment, to get a master's degree.

The New York Times

He left the service shortly thereafter to pursue a legal career.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Le Carre left the service in 1964 to focus on writing full-time.

The New Yorker

Bülow entered the Prussian army in 1773 but left the service in 1790.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He left the service of the Dutch East India Company several years later.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's career transition, use "left the service" to clearly indicate their departure from a structured organization, especially military or public service.

Common error

Avoid using "left the service" to imply poor performance or dissatisfaction with a service. Instead, use phrases like "provided inadequate service" or "service was unsatisfactory" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left the service" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the cessation of employment or duty, particularly within a structured organization like the military or public service. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "left the service" is a versatile and widely used verb phrase signifying the termination of one's tenure, predominantly in structured environments like the military or public service. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions to inform about a person's departure from an organization. Its neutrality makes it suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to encyclopedic entries. While it is a common phrase, it's essential to use it accurately, avoiding misinterpretations of poor service and considering more precise alternatives depending on the context. It's mostly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias. Overall, "left the service" provides a clear and concise way to denote someone's transition out of a particular role or organization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ended their service

This highlights the completion or termination of a period of service.

resigned from duty

This alternative specifies the act of formally resigning, implying a deliberate decision to leave.

separated from service

This is a formal term often used in military contexts to indicate the end of a service period.

departed from duty

This option provides a more general term for leaving, suitable for various contexts.

discharged from duty

This usually refers to an official release, often from military service.

retired from service

This implies leaving due to reaching a certain age or fulfilling required tenure.

relieved of duties

This suggests that someone was officially taken off their responsibilities.

completed their term

This suggests the fulfillment of a pre-defined period of service or employment.

stepped down from the role

This emphasizes the voluntary nature of leaving a position of responsibility or authority.

quit the organization

This focuses on the act of quitting a specific organization, emphasizing personal choice.

FAQs

How can I use "left the service" in a sentence?

You can use "left the service" to describe someone's departure from military service, government employment, or any structured organization. For example, "After ten years, she "left the service" to pursue a career in education".

What's the difference between "left the service" and "resigned from duty"?

"Left the service" is a general term for ending one's tenure, whereas "resigned from duty" specifically indicates a voluntary departure, often from a position of responsibility.

Is "left the service" appropriate for describing someone leaving a company?

While it can be used, "left the service" is more commonly associated with military or public sector jobs. Using "left the company" or "resigned" might be more appropriate in a corporate context.

What are some alternatives to "left the service" that imply retirement?

If the person retired, consider using phrases like "retired from service", "ended their career", or "concluded their tenure". These options are more specific and provide greater clarity.