requesting leave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "requesting leave" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in formal contexts, such as in a letter or email to an employer or school. Example: "I am writing to you for the purpose of requesting leave for personal reasons." Alternative expressions include "seeking leave" and "applying for leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The former trooper, Mr. Bettis said, "was terminated for reasons unrelated to his requesting leave".

The New York Times

In the newly discovered letter, Masclus is requesting leave – possibly with a painful hangover.

The Guardian

That director of mine was so miserly: anyone who went to him requesting leave had to haggle; there were never automatic approvals.

The New Yorker

He said the bill approved by the Democrats would kill jobs and harm small businesses, and would also invade workers' privacy by requiring them to tell employers why they are requesting leave.

The Washington Post

Prince George's school officials said Wednesday that the process for requesting leave is automated and that there is not a cap on the number of employees who can take off a particular day.

The Washington Post

I wrote to Matron in London requesting leave to cover that date.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Forms requesting leaves of absence may be obtained in the Office of Student Affairs, 107 Low Memorial Library.

Columbia University

Forms requesting leaves of absence can be obtained from the Doctoral Office.

Columbia University

In 1757 Dinwiddie requested leave to return to England.

Britannica

Protection for employees who request leave or otherwise assert FMLA rights.

Cornell University

29 CFR § 825.220 - Protection for employees who request leave or otherwise assert FMLA rights.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "requesting leave", clearly state the reason and duration in your communication to ensure transparency and facilitate a smooth approval process. Providing relevant details such as coverage plans for your responsibilities will strengthen your request.

Common error

Avoid submitting leave requests that are too vague. Include specific dates, the reason for the absence, and any relevant information that helps your supervisor understand the necessity and impact of your leave.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "requesting leave" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the action of formally asking for permission to be absent. Ludwig examples showcase this in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "requesting leave" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-registered way to describe the act of formally asking for permission to be absent from work or other obligations. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is frequently used in contexts such as news reporting, academic documents, and general informational sources. While alternatives like "applying for leave" or "seeking leave" exist, "requesting leave" provides a balanced approach suitable for various professional and general communication scenarios. When using the phrase, ensure clarity and specificity in your request to facilitate a smooth approval process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

applying for leave

This alternative is a more formal way of saying the same thing, implying a structured application process.

applying for a leave

Similar to "applying for leave", it refers to the act of formally requesting permission.

seeking leave

This alternative emphasizes the act of searching or asking for permission to be absent.

asking for time off

This alternative is more informal and direct, suitable for casual conversations.

taking a leave of absence

This alternative focuses on the action of commencing a period of absence.

submitting a leave request

This alternative highlights the formal submission of a request for leave.

making a leave application

It emphasizes the process of creating and presenting a formal application for leave.

lodging a leave request

This alternative suggests a more official or bureaucratic process of submitting a request.

putting in for leave

This alternative is more colloquial, indicating a simple and informal way of requesting leave.

inquiring about leave

This alternative implies an initial step of asking for information regarding leave policies or procedures.

FAQs

What does "requesting leave" mean?

The phrase "requesting leave" means formally asking for permission to be absent from work, school, or other regular duties for a specified period.

How do I properly use "requesting leave" in a sentence?

You can use "requesting leave" as a gerund phrase, for example: "The employee is currently in the process of "requesting leave" for medical reasons."

What are some alternatives to "requesting leave"?

Some alternatives include "applying for leave", "seeking leave", or "asking for time off".

Is there a difference between "requesting leave" and "taking leave"?

"Requesting leave" is the act of asking for permission, while "taking leave" implies that the permission has already been granted and the absence is underway. You are "requesting leave" before you start "taking leave".