need to leave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to leave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a necessity or obligation to depart from a place or situation. Example: "I appreciate the invitation, but I need to leave before it gets too late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Children need to leave.

The New Yorker

We need to leave.

The New York Times

You need to leave".

Independent

You need to leave him in peace".

The New York Times

And they need to leave me alone.

The New Yorker

So they need to leave.

The Guardian

Sometimes, you need to leave.

The Guardian

"Christine, you need to leave".

The New Yorker

Did she need to leave?

The Guardian

I don't need to leave anything behind.

The Guardian - Arts

You may never need to leave home.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In less formal settings, "need to leave" can be used directly, but consider adding context to soften the tone, especially if the departure might inconvenience others.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to leave" with plural subjects, as this violates subject-verb agreement. Always match the verb form to the subject's number (singular or plural).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to leave" functions as an expression of necessity or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing examples where the phrase is used to indicate a required departure from a place or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "need to leave" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a necessity or obligation to depart. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is versatile and can be applied in numerous contexts, though it appears most frequently in News & Media. While "need to leave" is generally neutral, context and tone can be adjusted using more formal alternatives such as "must depart" or informal options like "have to go". Pay attention to the subject-verb agreement to avoid grammatical errors. Use this phrase to clearly and directly communicate an intended or required departure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must depart

Emphasizes obligation or requirement to leave.

have to go

A common and direct way of expressing the need to leave.

it's time to go

Indicates that the appropriate moment for leaving has arrived.

it's necessary to depart

Formal way to express the necessity of leaving.

I'm required to leave

Highlights an external requirement or obligation.

I am obliged to leave

Similar to "required", but implies a stronger sense of duty.

I should be going

Indicates an intention to leave soon.

it is imperative to leave

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of leaving.

I've got to get going

An informal and colloquial way to express the need to leave.

time for me to head out

Informal, suggests the speaker is about to leave.

FAQs

How can I use "need to leave" in a sentence?

You can use "need to leave" to express a necessity or obligation to depart. For example, "I appreciate the invitation, but I "need to leave" before it gets too late."

What are some alternatives to "need to leave"?

You can use alternatives like "have to go", "must depart", or "it's time to go" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "need to leave" or "must depart"?

Must depart is generally more formal than "need to leave". Use "must depart" in situations requiring a higher degree of formality.

What's the difference between "need to leave" and "should leave"?

"Need to leave" implies a stronger sense of obligation or necessity, while "should leave" suggests a recommendation or suggestion. "I need to leave" indicates a requirement, whereas "I should leave" indicates advisability.