take a leave

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a leave" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to vacation or time off from work. Example Sentence: "I think I need to take a leave to recharge and get back on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He'll take a leave until then.

The New York Times

Councillors voted to request he take a leave of absence.

The Economist

Jessica said, "I'm going to take a leave".

The New Yorker

Some have to take a leave from work.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(It will take a leave of absence in warmer weather).

The New York Times

He has been asked to take a leave of absence.

The Guardian

An ABC spokesman said she would take a leave of absence.

The New York Times

Your other best player can take a leave of absence after a death in the family.

The New Yorker

He wasn't getting good grades at Harvard and had to take a leave.

The New York Times

He decided the next day to take a leave of absence instead.

The New York Times

She will take a leave from the firm through the election.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take a leave", specify the type of leave if it's not obvious from the context (e.g., medical leave, sabbatical leave, personal leave).

Common error

Ensure you're not accidentally using "live" (to reside) instead of "leave" (absence). Double-check your spelling and context to avoid this common error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a leave" functions primarily as a verbal phrase. It indicates the action of going on a period of absence from one's duties or responsibilities. Ludwig examples show this in contexts like "He'll take a leave until then" and "She will take a leave from the firm through the election."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

25%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Science

11%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take a leave" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to denote a period of absence from regular duties. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. Primarily found in News & Media and Academic contexts, the phrase serves to inform about a temporary absence, and while the tone remains neutral, the phrase itself is fit for professional use.

Alternatives such as "take time off" or "go on leave" offer similar meanings, but the specific context often dictates the best choice. Remember to specify the type of leave when possible and avoid confusing "leave" with similar-sounding words like "live". By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "take a leave" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go on leave

Emphasizes the action of starting the period of absence.

take time off

A more general term for absence, lacking the formal connotation of "leave".

take a break

Focuses on a shorter duration of absence, suggesting a temporary pause rather than an extended period.

request a leave of absence

Highlights the formal process of asking for permission to be absent.

take a sabbatical

Implies a longer period of absence, often for academic or professional development.

step away

Suggests a more informal and potentially temporary absence.

take a recess

Implies a temporary pause or break in activity.

be on furlough

Indicates a mandatory temporary leave, often due to economic reasons.

withdraw temporarily

Suggests a formal removal from a program or activity with the intention of returning.

cease work temporarily

Highlights the temporary halt of work-related activities.

FAQs

What does it mean to "take a leave"?

To "take a leave" means to take a period of absence from work, school, or other regular responsibilities. The reason for the absence can vary, including personal reasons, medical needs, or a sabbatical.

What are some reasons someone might "take a leave"?

People might "take a leave" for various reasons, such as medical reasons, parental leave, personal development, or to address personal matters. The specific type of leave often depends on the context and the policies of their employer or institution.

What is the difference between "take a leave" and "take a vacation"?

"Take a leave" is a more general term that encompasses various types of absences, while "take a vacation" specifically refers to time off for leisure and relaxation. A leave may be for reasons other than leisure.

How do I request to "take a leave" from my employer?

To request to "take a leave", you should typically follow your company's procedures, which may involve submitting a formal request to your supervisor or HR department. Be sure to check your company's leave policies to understand your rights and responsibilities.