they left for

USAGE SUMMARY

"they left for" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that someone has gone to another place. For example, you might say "My parents left for Paris last week on their vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They left for Düsseldorf.

The New York Times

On Sunday afternoon they left for home.

The New York Times

(Bertelsmann says they left for other reasons).

The New York Times - Magazine

They left for Sigli that same evening.

The New York Times

The next day, they left for America.

The New Yorker

Reluctantly, they left for work in separate cars.

The New Yorker

And a few months later they left for good.

The Guardian - Sport

Thursday night at midnight, they left for Atlanta.

The New Yorker

"I found out that they left for Syria.

The Guardian

This they left for future scientists to contemplate.

The Guardian

The day before they left for home, they went into Valencia.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs if you want to convey a more nuanced meaning (e.g., "they escaped to", "they migrated to").

Common error

Avoid using "they left for" when a more specific verb better describes the nature of the departure. For instance, if they are fleeing a dangerous situation, "they escaped to" would be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they left for" functions as a verb phrase indicating a group's departure towards a specific destination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and acceptable phrase in English, and Examples show usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they left for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a group's departure toward a specific destination. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it appears most commonly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral, consider more precise verbs for nuanced meanings. When using "they left for", ensure the destination is clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they departed for

Replaces "left" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the act of departure.

they set off for

Implies the beginning of a journey, often with enthusiasm or anticipation.

they headed towards

Focuses on the direction of travel, rather than the act of leaving.

they took off for

A more informal way to express the start of a journey, often implying speed.

they made their way to

Suggests a deliberate journey, possibly facing obstacles.

they journeyed to

Emphasizes the length or significance of the trip.

they embarked on a trip to

More descriptive, highlights the beginning of a planned excursion.

they transferred to

Suitable when the departure implies moving from an area to another following a job or similar activity.

they migrated to

Suitable when the departure implies moving from an area to another to establish.

they escaped to

Suggests leaving a place often means facing an unpleasant situation.

FAQs

How can I use "they left for" in a sentence?

You can use "they left for" to indicate a group's departure towards a specific destination. For example, "They left for Europe this morning" or "They left for the meeting early".

What are some alternatives to "they left for"?

Alternatives include "they departed for", "they set off for", or "they headed towards", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "they left for" formal or informal?

"They left for" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "they departed for" may be preferable in certain situations.

What's the difference between "they left for" and "they left to"?

"They left for" indicates a destination (e.g., "They left for the store"), while "they left to" suggests a purpose or intention (e.g., "They left to buy groceries").