take my leave

USAGE SUMMARY

"take my leave" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that means to depart or leave. You can use it in any formal or informal writing, such as a novel, short story, letter, or essay. Example: After giving my presentation, I took my leave from the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

And with that, I will take my leave.

The New Yorker

Writer suggests a salty rhyme to assist him: When I take my leave I steer by my sleeve.

The New Yorker

I went through the old place at dawn after the funeral, turning out lights and preparing to take my leave.

The New York Times

I thought it best to take my leave, and rest it.

The Guardian

"I'm built into this landscape on every level," says Alan as I take my leave.

The Guardian - Travel

The apartment's library hush returns as I prepare to take my leave.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

I took my leave.

The New York Times - Style

I took my leave of Travelers and an era.

The New York Times

"It was pretty much mandatory, so I took my leave, and that's when Paul was hit.

The New York Times - Magazine

I gulped them down as quickly as I could and took my leave as politely as I could.

The New Yorker

Assured once more, if in an unexpected form, that the Soviet Union was in a state of mortal delirium, I thanked Katya and took my leave.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take my leave" to add a touch of formality or old-fashioned charm to your writing, particularly when describing a departure from a social gathering or formal event.

Common error

Avoid using "take my leave" in very casual settings, as it can sound overly formal or even theatrical. Opt for simpler phrases like "I'm leaving" or "I'm off" in everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take my leave" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the act of departing or leaving. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in both formal and informal writing. It provides a polite or formal way to announce one's departure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take my leave" is a correct and usable idiomatic phrase that means to depart or leave, as verified by Ludwig AI. It's best suited for formal or polite contexts, offering a touch of elegance to your departure announcement. While it's a common expression, overuse in casual settings can sound stilted. Consider alternatives like "I must depart" or "I'm leaving" for everyday conversations. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to maintain the appropriate tone and register in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It's time for me to go

A straightforward statement of leaving.

I must depart

Emphasizes obligation or necessity to leave.

I'll be on my way

Suggests a casual departure, indicating the speaker is about to leave.

I'm heading out

Indicates departure, implying the speaker is starting a journey or activity.

I'm off

An informal expression indicating departure.

I must excuse myself

A polite way to announce one's departure, often used when leaving a social gathering.

Time to say goodbye

Highlights the farewell aspect of leaving.

I bid you farewell

A formal and somewhat archaic way of saying goodbye.

I'm going to take off

Uses slang to express the intention to depart.

I shall withdraw

A formal way to indicate a departure, often used in official settings.

FAQs

What does "take my leave" mean?

The phrase "take my leave" is an idiomatic expression that means to depart or leave a place, often used in a formal or polite context.

When is it appropriate to use "take my leave"?

It is appropriate to use "take my leave" in formal settings or when you want to add a touch of elegance to your departure announcement. It may sound out of place in very casual conversations.

What are some alternatives to "take my leave"?

Instead of "take my leave", you could say "I must depart", "I'm leaving", or "I'm off", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "take my leave" grammatically correct?

Yes, "take my leave" is a grammatically correct and commonly used idiomatic expression in English.