take some time off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'take some time off' is correct and often used in written English.
It means to take a break or a vacation from work, school, or other regular activities. For example: "With all the extra work I've been doing lately, I think I'm going to take some time off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'd tell Tom, 'Take some time off, regroup.

The New Yorker

Take some time off, his colleagues tell him.

The Guardian - Books

Didn't you want to take some time off to rest?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But she wants to take some time off, kind of regroup.

The New York Times

Mr. Johnson said he would take some time off and then return to private law practice.

The New York Times

He decided to take some time off," Mr. Duvally said in a statement.

The New York Times

We shouldn't be so afraid to actually take some time off".

The New Yorker

The chair urged him to take some time off, please, for his own sake.

The New Yorker

Hood called Isbell and suggested he take some time off and get his life together.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I had to take some time off; I took just a couple steps back," Williams said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I want to take some time off and just see what's out there.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When suggesting someone "take some time off", be mindful of their circumstances and potential concerns about job security or workload. Frame it as a way to improve their overall well-being and long-term productivity.

Common error

Avoid suggesting that someone "take some time off" as a blanket solution to complex problems like workplace bullying or burnout. While rest is important, acknowledge the underlying issues and encourage seeking appropriate support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take some time off" functions as an imperative expression, typically used to advise or suggest a period of rest or respite. It is commonly used as a suggestion as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take some time off" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to suggest or advise a period of rest or vacation. As confirmed by Ludwig, its use spans across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and informal settings. The phrase is used to encourage someone to pause their regular activities to recharge, address personal matters, or simply enjoy a break. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of the context and potential underlying issues when suggesting someone "take some time off", ensuring it is framed as a helpful and supportive recommendation. Alternatives like "take a break" or "go on vacation" can be used depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a break

A more general term indicating a temporary cessation of activity.

take some days off

Specifies that the time off involves several days.

step away from work

Directly indicates ceasing work-related activities.

go on vacation

Specifically refers to taking a trip for leisure.

have a vacation

Similar to "go on vacation", specifying having a period of leisure.

take a leave of absence

Suggests a formal arrangement to be away from work or duties.

take a sabbatical

Implies a longer, more formal period of leave, often for academic pursuits.

rest and recharge

Focuses on the purpose of the time off, emphasizing recovery.

take a hiatus

Implies a temporary pause in activities, often in a creative or performing arts context.

enjoy a respite

Focuses on the relief and relaxation gained from the time off.

FAQs

What does "take some time off" mean?

The phrase "take some time off" means to take a break or vacation from work, school, or other regular responsibilities. It implies a period of rest or leisure.

When is it appropriate to suggest someone "take some time off"?

Suggesting someone "take some time off" is appropriate when they are experiencing burnout, stress, or need to focus on personal matters. It's often used when someone needs a break to recharge and improve their well-being.

What are some alternatives to saying "take some time off"?

You can use alternatives like "take a break", "go on vacation", or "take a leave of absence" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "take some time off of" something?

While you might hear "take some time off of" something, it's generally more common and grammatically sound to say "take some time off" without the "of". For example, "take some time off work" is preferred over "take some time off of work".