paternity leave

USAGE SUMMARY

'paternity leave' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'paternity leave' to refer to the time off from work that a father takes upon the birth of his child. For example, "James requested two weeks of paternity leave to spend time with his newborn son."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Paternity leave.

The Guardian - Opinion

Paternity leave is rare in Japan.

The Guardian

The party's plan to triple paternity leave would extend overall paternity leave to 58 weeks.

The Guardian - Money

Mr. Cameron's office said he would take some paternity leave.

The New York Times

Paternity leave is unheard of in many countries.

The Economist

As for mandatory paid maternity or paternity leave, forget it.

Independent

Most men I know take about three months' paternity leave".

The Guardian

"Paternity leave has lifelong benefits to a child," she says.

The New York Times

2) Paid paternity leave doubled to a month.

The Guardian

Two weeks paternity leave on a pittance underlines that point.

The Guardian - Opinion

Paternity: Two weeks' paternity leave at full pay.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing company policies, specify the duration and compensation details associated with "paternity leave" to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "paternity leave" and maternity leave interchangeably. Paternity leave is specifically for fathers, while maternity leave is for mothers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paternity leave" functions as a noun phrase referring to a specific type of employee benefit. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It names the period of absence granted to a father after the birth of his child.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "paternity leave" is a noun phrase denoting the time off granted to fathers after childbirth. Ludwig AI validates its correct grammatical usage. It is most frequently used in news and media, with secondary usage in scientific and business contexts. The phrase carries a neutral register. Common related phrases include "father's leave" and "paternal leave". When writing, be precise about leave duration and compensation details and avoid confusing it with maternity leave. The phrase is a widely used and understood term, crucial in discussions about work-life balance and parental support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paternal leave

Synonymous, but slightly more formal.

father's leave

Emphasizes the father's role more directly.

parental leave for fathers

Highlights that the leave is specifically designated for fathers as part of a broader parental leave policy.

fatherhood leave

Focuses on the transition into fatherhood and the associated responsibilities.

time off for new fathers

A more general term indicating time away from work for fathers of newborns.

new father's time off

Highlights the new role of the father and their need for time off.

leave for new parents (fathers)

Part of larger leave but dedicated to fathers

family leave (father)

Focuses on leave as an instrument for family care, instead of focusing on fatherhood as such.

leave to care for a newborn

Focuses on purpose instead of actors of the leave.

time off for childcare (father)

Highlights the childcare role of the father during their absence from work.

FAQs

What is the purpose of "paternity leave"?

The purpose of "paternity leave" is to allow fathers to take time off from work to bond with their newborn child, support the child's mother, and adjust to their new family dynamic.

How long does "paternity leave" typically last?

The duration of "paternity leave" varies by company and country. It can range from a few days to several weeks or even months. Some companies, like "Netflix", offer unlimited "maternity and paternity leave".

Is "paternity leave" paid or unpaid?

Whether "paternity leave" is paid or unpaid depends on the employer's policies and local laws. Some employers offer full pay for "paternity leave", while others provide partial pay or unpaid leave. Refer to "Some employers pay full pay for paternity leave".

What are some alternative terms for "paternity leave"?

Alternative terms for "paternity leave" include "father's leave", "paternal leave", or "parental leave for fathers". The best choice depends on the context and the specific aspect you want to emphasize.