take leave

USAGE SUMMARY

"take leave" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to mean to go away or to depart, either temporarily or permanently. For example: After years of dedicated service, Mark decided to take leave and retire.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The girls take leave of their thongs.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His boss had given him permission to take leave.

The New Yorker

Marie and her camera, however, quickly take leave of reality.

The New York Times - Books

Almost all workers who take leave return to their employers.

The New York Times

Before going, Susanoo went to take leave of his sister.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He will take leave, voluntarily, from 8 January".

The Guardian - Sport

He was inciting voters to take leave of their senses.

The New Yorker

I'm afraid Russia will take leave of its senses.

The New York Times

"They really pushed everyone to take leave," Smith explained.

The New York Times - Magazine

We take leave of season four with ambivalence.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Academics generally take leave for only a few years to serve in the White House.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take leave", specify the type of leave (e.g., maternity leave, sick leave, leave of absence) for clarity, especially in formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "take leave" interchangeably with phrases like "take a break" if you intend to convey a longer, formally approved absence. "Take leave" usually implies an official arrangement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take leave" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the act of departing or being absent, often with official approval or for a specific reason. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take leave" is a commonly used verb phrase that signifies departing or being absent, frequently in a formal or authorized context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. As evidenced by the numerous examples from Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media, as well as wiki sources, reflecting its broad applicability across various communication styles. While its grammatical function is straightforward, being mindful of the context and the intended degree of formality is crucial. Remember to specify the type of leave whenever possible to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like ""go on leave"" or ""request a leave of absence"" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go on leave

Focuses on the action of starting a period of leave, implying a formal process.

request a leave of absence

Emphasizes the act of formally asking for permission to be absent.

depart

A formal synonym for leaving, similar in register to "take leave" when referring to a permanent departure.

absent oneself

A more formal way of saying to be absent, sharing a similar formal tone to "take leave".

go away

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

take a break

Indicates a temporary cessation of activity, often shorter than a formal leave.

step away

Suggests a temporary departure, usually for a short duration or specific purpose.

retire

Implies a permanent departure from work or active duty.

take a sabbatical

Specifically refers to an extended leave, often for academic or professional development.

be on vacation

Describes a specific type of leave, usually for leisure or travel.

FAQs

What does it mean to "take leave"?

To "take leave" means to depart or be absent, often with permission or authorization, from a job, duty, or place.

How do I use "take leave" in a sentence?

You can say, "He decided to "go on leave" after working for the company for 20 years" or "She had to "request a leave of absence" due to illness".

What's the difference between "take leave" and "take a break"?

"Take leave" generally implies a longer, more formal absence, while "take a break" suggests a shorter, less formal pause in activity.

What are some synonyms for "take leave"?

Some synonyms for "take leave" include "go away", "depart", or "absent oneself", depending on the context.