prolonged leave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prolonged leave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an extended period of time away from work or responsibilities, often for personal or medical reasons. Example: "After much consideration, I have decided to take a prolonged leave to focus on my health and well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When they do, they take prolonged leave from work, damaging their careers.

The Economist

No control group participant explicitly withdrew from the project, but 7 physicians could not be contacted at follow-up because they had changed job or were on prolonged leave.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

As shown in Table 3, greater body fat was independently related to increased left ventricular mass index and RWT, reduced sc-mFS, and prolonged left ventricular relaxation (lower E-to-A ratio and longer IVRT).

Diabetes Care

Although most research on sick leave is focused on either frequent sick leave (FSL) (ie, the number of sick leave spells during 1 year) or prolonged sick leave (PSL) (ie, sick leave with a duration longer than, eg, 2 weeks in total in 1 year), this paper focuses on both FSL and PSL for several reasons.

BMJ Open

Self-reported high physical load increased the risk of prolonged sick leave in populations already on sick leave due to back pain [ 17, 18].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

In addition, any incoming certificate that prolonged sick leave was collected until the current sick leave period ended.

BMC Public Health

Frequent sick leave (FSL, ≥3 times in the past 12 months) and prolonged sick leave (PSL, >2 weeks in total in the past 12 months).

BMJ Open

Prolonged sick leave (PSL) was defined as more than 2 weeks of sick leave during the past 12 months (sum of the duration of all episodes of sick leave).

BMJ Open

This article focuses on both the differences in work-related characteristics, family-related characteristics, work family interference, health-related characteristics and frequent (FSL) and prolonged sick leave (PSL) between four age groups and their associations with two sick leave outcomes.

BMJ Open

The absence of debriefing after a violent incident contributed to prolonged sick leave in a respected member of staff".

The Guardian

Stephenson stayed there, Scotland Yard said, for an "extensive programme of hydro and physiotherapy" after an operation that had kept him away from work on prolonged sick leave.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting or discussing a "prolonged leave", clearly specify the start and end dates, as well as the reason for the leave, to ensure clarity and proper documentation.

Common error

Avoid using "prolonged leave" to describe short absences such as sick days or brief vacations. "Prolonged leave" implies a significant duration, typically several weeks or months.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prolonged leave" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes an extended period of absence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prolonged leave" refers to an extended absence, typically from work or other regular activities. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and usable in English. While grammatically sound, it occurs relatively rarely. Its primary function is as a noun phrase, describing the state of being away for a significant duration. It's typically used in neutral to professional contexts and is most frequently found in scientific and news-related sources. When using "prolonged leave", ensure that the duration and reason for the leave are clearly communicated to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-term leave of absence

More formal and explicitly states the official nature of the leave.

lengthy period of absence

Highlights extended duration in absence from a certain activity.

extended absence

Focuses on the absence itself and its duration, rather than the formal aspect of a leave.

sustained leave

Similar meaning, but emphasizing continuation of absence.

lengthy sabbatical

Implies a longer period of leave, often for academic or personal development.

extended time off

A more informal way of describing a prolonged absence from work.

protracted break

Emphasizes the interruption of routine and the length of the break.

long furlough

Suggests a mandatory, often unpaid, extended leave.

drawn-out vacation

Implies the leave is for leisure and relaxation and it will last for a long period of time.

long-lasting break

Similar to "protracted break" but with less formal tone, mostly related to informal contexts.

FAQs

How is "prolonged leave" typically used in a sentence?

You can use "prolonged leave" to describe an extended period of absence from work or other responsibilities. For example: "She requested a "prolonged leave" to care for her ailing mother."

What are some alternatives to "prolonged leave"?

Alternatives include "extended absence", "long-term leave of absence", or "lengthy sabbatical", depending on the specific context and formality.

Is "prolonged leave" the same as "sick leave"?

"Prolonged leave" is a broader term that can encompass various types of leave, including sick leave, but also maternity leave, sabbatical, or personal leave. Sick leave specifically refers to time off due to illness.

What factors might lead to someone taking a "prolonged leave"?

Factors can include serious illness, family emergencies, parental leave, educational pursuits, or personal reasons requiring an extended absence from work or other commitments.