time off work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time off work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a period during which an employee is not required to work, often for rest, vacation, or personal reasons. Example: "I will be taking some time off work next month to recharge and spend time with my family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People have taken time off work.

The Guardian

She took time off work, stopped sleeping.

The Washington Post

Ruffley took time off work for depression.

The Guardian

Did you have to take time off work?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Can you afford to take time off work?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"People took time off work and watched the action.

The Guardian

She wants some time off work, to reconsider her options.

The Guardian

I took time off work to go to that meeting.

Forbes

Headache can have an impact through people taking time off work, or having reduced work effectiveness.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Who can take the time off work if needed?

Huffington Post

I take time off work to get them there.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing employment policies or employee benefits, use "time off work" to encompass various types of leave, such as vacation, sick leave, and personal days. This avoids being overly specific and maintains a broader scope.

Common error

Avoid using "off-time" interchangeably with "time off work". "Off-time" generally refers to leisure or personal time, whereas "time off work" specifically denotes an authorized absence from employment duties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time off work" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a period of absence from one's employment responsibilities, encompassing various forms of leave.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time off work" is a commonly used noun phrase denoting a period of absence from employment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting various contexts from news and media to scientific research. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider formality levels; in more formal settings, alternatives like ""leave of absence"" or "sick leave" may be more appropriate. Common errors include confusing it with "off-time", which has a slightly different connotation. This analysis provides practical guidance for using "time off work" effectively, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time away from work

Similar to "time off work" but with slightly different phrasing.

absence from work

General term for not being at work.

leave of absence

Formal term for an extended period away from work.

sick leave

Specifically refers to time off due to illness.

vacation time

Implies time off for leisure and recreation.

period of leave

Emphasizes the duration of the absence.

personal leave

Time off for personal matters or emergencies.

day off

A single day of absence from work.

break from work

Indicates a temporary pause in work responsibilities.

furlough

Often indicates a mandatory, unpaid leave of absence.

FAQs

How can I politely request "time off work"?

Frame your request by providing ample notice, explaining the reason for your absence, and offering solutions to mitigate any potential disruption, such as completing urgent tasks beforehand or designating a colleague to cover your responsibilities. For example, "I would like to request "leave of absence" for personal reasons."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""leave of absence"", "vacation time", "sick leave", or "personal day".

What is the difference between "time off work" and "downtime"?

"Time off work" refers specifically to periods when an employee is excused from their job duties, whereas "downtime" generally refers to periods of inactivity or rest, not necessarily related to employment. For example, a machine may have downtime for maintenance.

Is it acceptable to use "time off work" in formal writing?

Yes, "time off work" is generally acceptable in formal writing, though more formal alternatives like ""leave of absence"" might be preferred in certain contexts, such as legal documents or official company policies.