reason for leaving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reason for leaving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the justification or explanation for someone's departure from a job, organization, or situation. Example: "During the exit interview, she provided her reason for leaving the company, citing a desire for new challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reason for leaving: "Murdered".

The New Yorker

After selecting your reason for leaving, hit Confirm.

The New York Times - Tech

They said: "We need a reason for leaving you here".

The Guardian

My reason for leaving is not the money.

The Guardian - Sport

His stated reason for leaving is a professional crisis.

The New York Times

Osama's reason for leaving school early was straightforward.

The Guardian

His reason for leaving was a family secret that she learned only as a Princeton sophomore.

Princeton University

"My reason for leaving is not the money," Suarez said in his most recent interview.

Independent

Some 60% of skilled emigrants cited "social injustice" as an important reason for leaving Malaysia.

The Economist

Ms. Applegate alluded to the show's change in creative direction as her reason for leaving.

The New York Times

Reason for leaving Stay-at-home mom for two children, now 15 and 18.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing someone's "reason for leaving", be specific and avoid vague language. Providing concrete details adds credibility and clarity.

Common error

Avoid attributing a single "reason for leaving" when multiple factors may be involved. Acknowledge the complexity of the situation by using phrases like "contributing factors" or "primary reasons".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reason for leaving" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies the cause, motive, or justification behind someone's departure from a situation, job, or place, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reason for leaving" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the cause or motive behind a departure. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal settings. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific and avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives like "motive for departure" or "grounds for departure" can offer slightly different nuances. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's versatility and its role in providing clarity and justification for departures across diverse situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motive for departure

Focuses on the underlying motivation behind the act of leaving.

grounds for departure

Highlights the justification or basis for leaving.

cause of resignation

Specifically refers to the reason for formally stepping down from a position.

explanation for quitting

Emphasizes the act of stopping or abandoning something and the explanation behind it.

rationale behind leaving

Focuses on the logical basis or reasoning for the departure.

purpose of exit

Highlights the intended aim or goal achieved by leaving.

driving force for leaving

Emphasizes the compelling influence that led to the departure.

impetus for resignation

Refers to the initial force or stimulus that prompted the resignation.

circumstances of departure

Focuses on the specific conditions and events surrounding the act of leaving.

factors influencing exit

Highlights multiple elements that contributed to the decision to leave.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "reason for leaving"?

Alternatives include "motive for departure", "grounds for departure", or "cause of resignation", depending on the context.

How can I use "reason for leaving" in a sentence?

You can use it to explain why someone departed from a job, organization, or place. For example, "She stated her "reason for leaving" as a lack of growth opportunities".

Is it appropriate to ask about someone's "reason for leaving" in an interview?

Yes, it's a common question in exit interviews to understand why an employee is departing. However, in job interviews, be mindful of privacy and focus on future opportunities rather than dwelling on negative past experiences.

What's the difference between "reason for leaving" and "explanation for quitting"?

"Reason for leaving" is a more general term, while "explanation for quitting" specifically implies a voluntary departure from a job or activity. "Reason for leaving" can also apply to situations beyond employment, such as leaving a place or relationship.