sabbatical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sabbatical" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a period of time during which someone takes a break from their regular work or studies, often for personal or professional development. Example: "After ten years of teaching, she decided to take a sabbatical to travel and pursue her passion for writing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Annie Tidbury, women's officer at University College London Union, says: "At UCLU all our services are extended to students on a year abroad, for example, they can still get in touch with the sabbatical officers or email the rights and advice centre".

The Guardian

When Laws began his cabinet sabbatical, the broadsheets wept as bitterly as if it were a scene from Les Mis.

The Guardian - Opinion

Amanda is a primary school teacher in Harare, and her school gave her a sabbatical.

The Guardian - Travel

Authors, Francis Elliot and James Hanning also chart the loss of faith in Cameron's relationship with his chief policy guru, Steve Hilton, who has just taken a year's sabbatical from his work at Downing Street to teach at a California university.

The Guardian

Sabbatical officers are students who take a year off between or directly after their studies to take on key positions in the student union.

The Guardian

In 2005, he went on a year's sabbatical from Yale, "and did a lot of direct action and was in the media".

The Guardian - Books

Related: Iggy Pop to bring raw power to John Peel lecture | Media Monkey The singer first presented a show on the station at Christmas 2013, before standing in for Cocker while he went on sabbatical.

The Guardian

If Ukip is serious about giving Farage an enforced sabbatical and keeping him well clear of the out campaign in the referendum, it had better line up a tough, credible alternative first.

The Guardian

He took a year out as a sabbatical to teach at Harvard.

The Guardian

It addressed pensions, access to adult education, sabbatical leave – Ford employed workers from India, the West Indies, for whom two weeks off in the summer was no use.

The Guardian

His mutual love affair with his public never wavered, but in 1978 he announced a sabbatical from concert life.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing an extended break from work, specify the purpose of the "sabbatical" to provide context. For instance, mention whether it's for research, writing, or personal development to clarify its intent.

Common error

Avoid assuming a "sabbatical" always lasts a year. While common, its length can vary significantly based on organizational policies or individual agreements. Always confirm the exact duration.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sabbatical" is as a noun, referring to an extended period of leave from one's regular job, often for scholarly or professional activities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "sabbatical" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun that denotes an extended leave from one's regular employment, typically for professional or personal development. Ludwig AI confirms the term's widespread and appropriate usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedia, and Formal & Business contexts, it implies a planned absence for growth, often in academic or research environments. While commonly associated with a year-long break, its duration can vary. Alternatives include "leave of absence", "extended leave", and "career break", each with slightly different nuances. To ensure clarity, specify the purpose of the "sabbatical" and avoid assumptions about its length.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave of absence

Indicates a temporary period away from work or duties, often for personal reasons or professional development.

extended leave

Emphasizes the duration of the leave, suggesting a longer period away from regular obligations.

career break

Specifically refers to a break taken to reassess career goals or pursue other interests.

period of study leave

Highlights the educational or research focus of the leave, common in academic settings.

time off for research

Similar to study leave, but focuses specifically on research activities during the break.

professional development leave

Emphasizes the focus on enhancing skills and knowledge related to one's profession.

temporary assignment

Highlights a shift in duties or roles for a specific period, differing from a complete break.

year out

Commonly used to denote a gap year or an extended break from education or work.

gap year

Often associated with students taking a break between school and higher education or employment.

time out

A general term for taking a break or pause from regular activities.

FAQs

How is "sabbatical" typically used?

The term "sabbatical" commonly refers to an extended period of leave from work, often for academic staff or employees, to pursue research, writing, or professional development. It's used to describe a structured break from regular duties.

What's the difference between a "sabbatical" and a leave of absence?

While both involve being away from work, a "sabbatical" often has a professional development or research focus and may be paid, whereas a "leave of absence" can be for any reason (including personal or medical) and may be unpaid.

What are some alternatives to using the word "sabbatical"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "extended leave", "study leave", or "career break".

Is it correct to use "sabbatical" to describe a short vacation?

No, "sabbatical" generally refers to a longer, more structured period of leave. A short vacation is better described as "time off", a vacation, or a holiday.