taking some time off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking some time off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a break from work or responsibilities for rest or personal reasons. Example: "After months of hard work, I decided to take some time off to recharge and spend time with my family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm going to be taking some time off now.

Independent

"He's taking some time off," Tom Pettitte said.

The New York Times

After taking some time off, he found a job quickly.

The New York Times

I have been planning on doing a Ph.D. but I am taking some time off now.

The New Yorker

Fathers should look into taking some time off from work after the birth.

The New York Times

After taking some time off, Ms. Norman interviewed again last month.

The New York Times

"I'm taking some time off because I've been working for two years," she said.

The Guardian - Film

Rodriguez hopes to apply to law school after taking some time off to spend with her family.

University of California, Berkeley

But after facing a series of disappointments and failures, and recently taking some time off, I felt lost.

The New York Times

In reality, taking some time off from Columbia may have been the best thing I have done as a Columbia student.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I was curious, so I asked about the idea of taking some time off--a long weekend perhaps--where you tried to do nothing but contemplate what's important.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking some time off" to indicate a deliberate pause or break from regular activities for rest, personal pursuits, or recovery. It implies a temporary absence with the intention to return.

Common error

Don't use "taking some time off" if the intention is to permanently leave a job or activity. Instead, use terms like "resigning", "retiring", or "leaving" to clearly indicate a permanent departure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking some time off" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or part of the predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of temporarily ceasing regular activities for rest or personal reasons. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taking some time off" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a temporary break from regular activities. Ludwig confirms its widespread use, highlighting its function as a gerund phrase with a neutral register. It is frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context implies a temporary absence with the intention to return. Avoid using it when describing a permanent departure, and consider alternatives like "taking a break" or "having a sabbatical" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking a break

More general term for a short pause or rest from an activity.

taking a vacation

Implies a planned trip for leisure and relaxation.

taking a breather

Indicates a short pause to regain composure or energy.

having a sabbatical

Suggests a more extended period of leave, often for professional or academic pursuits.

taking some personal leave

Focuses on using allocated leave time for personal matters or relaxation.

taking a leave of absence

A more formal term for an extended break from work or duties, often for personal or medical reasons.

taking a respite

Emphasizes a period of rest and recovery, often from stress or hardship.

taking downtime

Focuses on a period of inactivity or rest, often in the context of technology or systems.

taking a recess

Suggests a temporary suspension of proceedings, often in a formal or official setting.

taking a furlough

Implies a temporary layoff or leave from employment, often due to economic reasons.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "taking some time off"?

You can use alternatives like "taking a break", "taking a vacation", or "having a sabbatical" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "taking some time off"?

Yes, "taking some time off" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often describing a period of rest or absence.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "taking some time off"?

Use "taking some time off" when referring to a temporary break from work, studies, or other responsibilities for personal reasons, relaxation, or recovery. It implies a return to the activity after the break.

What's the difference between "taking some time off" and "quitting"?

"Taking some time off" implies a temporary absence with the intention to return, while "quitting" means permanently leaving a job, activity, or responsibility.