on sabbatical

USAGE SUMMARY

"on sabbatical" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a period of leave taken by a professional from their regular work, such as a professor from their teaching duties. For example, "The professor has taken a sabbatical and is now travelling around Europe."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm reposting some Meatless Monday classics like this one while I'm on sabbatical this month.

Huffington Post

I was on sabbatical!

The New Yorker

On sabbatical this semester.

Columbia University

Katrin Bennhold is on sabbatical leave.

The New York Times

(I moved; she's on sabbatical).

The New Yorker

"I'm on sabbatical," he said.

The New Yorker

Guardiola was on sabbatical at the time.

The Guardian - Sport

I am on sabbatical from Bard College.

The New York Times

On sabbatical leave at Princeton University.

Cornell University

Silbey is on sabbatical this year.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

On sabbatical AY 2018-19 in Chicago.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on sabbatical" to clearly indicate a temporary leave from a professional role, often for research, writing, or travel. Ensure the context implies a planned and approved absence.

Common error

Avoid using "on sabbatical" for short vacations or unplanned absences. A sabbatical typically implies a longer, formally approved leave, often several months or a year.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on sabbatical" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a temporary state of being away from one's regular duties, typically for a specific purpose like research or writing. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in academic and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on sabbatical" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a temporary leave from professional duties, typically for research or study. As indicated by Ludwig, it is frequently used in academic and news contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional register. While similar phrases like "on leave" or "taking time off" exist, "on sabbatical" specifically implies a formally approved and extended absence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its wide applicability in various sentences, emphasizing its role in informing about a planned break from regular work responsibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking a sabbatical

Emphasizes the act of initiating the leave, rather than the state of being on leave.

on leave

A more general term indicating absence from duty, not necessarily for research or study.

on a break

Implies a temporary cessation of activity, often less formal than "sabbatical".

on research leave

Specifically denotes leave for research purposes.

on study leave

Specifically denotes leave for academic or professional development.

taking a career break

Indicates a longer period of absence from work for personal or professional development.

on temporary assignment

Suggests a specific, short-term duty away from the regular position.

taking time off

A broader term for any absence, which might include vacation or personal leave.

on detached duty

Often used in military or governmental contexts, indicating a temporary assignment elsewhere.

in recess

Often used in politics, indicating a temporary break from sessions.

FAQs

How do I properly use "on sabbatical" in a sentence?

Use "on sabbatical" to describe someone who is currently taking a break from their regular job, usually for study or travel. For example, "The professor is "on sabbatical" this semester to write a book".

What's the difference between "on leave" and "on sabbatical"?

"On leave" is a general term for being away from work, while "on sabbatical" specifically refers to a longer period of leave, often granted to academics for research or professional development. A professor might be "on sabbatical", but any employee can be "on leave" for various reasons.

Can I use "on sabbatical" in a business context?

While "on sabbatical" is more commonly associated with academia, it can be used in a business context if an employee is granted a longer period of leave for personal or professional development. It implies a structured and approved absence, similar to "taking a career break".

What are some alternative phrases to "on sabbatical"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "on leave", "taking time off", or "on a break". However, "on sabbatical" specifically implies a formal, extended leave, often for research or study.