maternity leave

USAGE SUMMARY

"maternity leave" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is used to refer to the period of time a woman takes off from work when she has recently given birth. For example, "Amy has just had a baby and is taking 12 weeks of maternity leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maternity leave is generous.

The Economist

Maternity leave took its toll.

The Guardian - Opinion

Isn't it just called maternity leave?

Independent

"Maternity leave was so much fun.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her employer provides paid maternity leave.

The New York Times - Magazine

A woman must have maternity leave.

The New York Times - Magazine

Maternity leave hadn't crossed my mind.

The Guardian

Maternity leave, she says, is for wimps.

The Guardian

Maternity leave extended to sick leave.

The Guardian

Challenge 4: Taking Maternity Leave.

Science Magazine

Maternity Leave and Rights for Employees.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for an international audience, be mindful that "maternity leave" provisions vary significantly by country. Provide context or specify the region.

Common error

Avoid using "maternity leave" when referring to time off for fathers. Use "paternity leave" or "parental leave" instead to accurately describe the leave taken by fathers.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "maternity leave" is as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows examples of it being used to describe policies, experiences, and rights related to taking time off work after childbirth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maternity leave" is a widely used and grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to the period of absence from work granted to mothers after childbirth. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, including news, science, and business. Related phrases like "parental leave" and "family leave" offer broader alternatives, while "paternity leave" specifically addresses leave for fathers. Understanding the appropriate use and context of "maternity leave" ensures clear and accurate communication, whether discussing legal rights, company policies, or personal experiences. It's also important to note the distinction between "maternity leave" and related terms to avoid confusion and maintain clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

parental leave

This alternative encompasses both mothers and fathers, broadening the scope.

family leave

A more general term covering leave for various family-related reasons, not exclusively childbirth.

time off for childbirth

This phrase directly refers to the reason for the leave, focusing on the birthing process.

postnatal leave

This alternative specifies the leave period after the birth of a child.

leave for new mothers

Highlights the recipients of the leave, emphasizing their new role.

absence for maternity

A more formal way to describe being away from work due to maternity.

childbirth absence

Focuses on the absence from work because of giving birth.

baby bonding leave

This term emphasizes the importance of bonding with the newborn child.

infant care leave

Highlights that the leave is taken in order to provide care for the infant.

time off after birth

A simple and direct way of describing the leave period.

FAQs

How do I use "maternity leave" in a sentence?

"Maternity leave" is used to describe the period a woman takes off work after having a baby. For instance, "She plans to take three months of "maternity leave" after the birth of her child."

What are some alternatives to "maternity leave"?

Depending on the context, you can use "parental leave", "family leave", or "postnatal leave" as alternatives.

What is the difference between "maternity leave" and "paternity leave"?

"Maternity leave" refers to leave taken by mothers after childbirth, while "paternity leave" is for fathers. Both fall under the umbrella of "parental leave".

Is "maternity leave" always paid?

Whether "maternity leave" is paid depends on the employer and the country's laws. Some countries mandate paid maternity leave, while others do not. Check local regulations for accurate information.