time off

USAGE SUMMARY

"time off" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to taking a break from work or school. For example, "I'm taking some time off this weekend to relax and recharge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Is it literally time off?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Paid time off?

The Washington Post

There's no time off for defense".

The New York Times - Sports

Time off: fishing.

Forbes

Time off: Proselytizing Buddhism.

Forbes

Time off: History buff.

Forbes

Time off: Thriftiness.

Forbes

People take time off".

Forbes

Time off: Collects art.

Forbes

Time off: Collects medieval.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Unlimited time-off.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing employment benefits, be specific about the type of "time off", such as "paid time off" or "sick time off".

Common error

Avoid using "off time" when you mean "time off". "Off time" can be ambiguous, while "time off" clearly refers to a period of absence from work or other duties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time off" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig examples show it referring to a period of absence from work or other regular duties. As Ludwig AI states, it's a common way to describe a break or leave.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Academia

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time off" is a common noun phrase referring to a period of absence from work or other regular duties. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it appears across diverse contexts, including news, wiki articles, and formal business settings. While generally neutral, the context often determines the specific type of "time off", such as vacation, sick leave, or a personal day. When writing about employment benefits, it's important to specify the type of "time off" being discussed to avoid ambiguity. Remember to use "time off" and not "off time".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave of absence

This phrase refers to a more formal or extended period of absence from work or duties.

vacation time

This specifies that the "time off" is allocated for vacation purposes.

paid leave

This highlights that the "time off" is compensated by the employer.

break period

This refers to a shorter, less formal "time off" from an activity or task.

period of rest

This phrase emphasizes the recuperative aspect of "time off".

day off

This indicates a single day of absence from work or regular duties.

personal day

This refers to a day off that can be used for personal reasons.

time away

This is a more general term for being absent from a particular place or activity.

respite

This term suggests a temporary period of relief from something difficult or unpleasant.

sabbatical

This implies a more extended period of "time off", often for study or travel.

FAQs

How can I ask for "time off" politely?

You can politely request "time off" by framing your request in advance and explaining the reason, such as, "I would like to request some "time off" from [start date] to [end date] for [reason]."

What's the difference between "time off" and "vacation"?

"Time off" is a general term for any absence from work or duties, while "vacation" specifically refers to "time off" for leisure or travel. Vacation is a type of "time off".

Is "paid time off" the same as "sick leave"?

"Paid time off" (PTO) is a general bank of hours that can be used for any reason, including vacation or illness. "Sick leave" is specifically designated "time off" for illness or medical appointments.

What are some alternatives to saying "I need time off"?

Depending on the context, you can say, "I need a "break"", "I'm requesting a "leave of absence"", or "I need a "day off"".