to leave

USAGE SUMMARY

"to leave" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something departing from a place: "He decided to leave the party early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jake wants to leave.

The New Yorker

Children need to leave.

The New Yorker

He had to leave.

The New York Times

"It's impossible to leave".

The New York Times

He has to leave.

The New Yorker

Both are to leave.

The Economist

She wants to leave.

The New Yorker

But to leave China?

The New Yorker

9) Ready to leave?

Independent

"To leave my property?

The New Yorker

Someone's going to leave.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to leave", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being left behind, whether it's a place, a person, or a situation. For example, "He decided "to leave" his job" is clear, while "He decided "to leave"" could be ambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "to leave" when you actually mean "to let" or "to allow". "To leave" implies departure, not permission. For example, instead of saying "I "to leave" him do it", say "I let him do it."

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to leave" primarily functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as part of a verb phrase to express the intention or action of departing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely usable. Examples show it used to express decisions, necessities, and desires related to departure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to leave" is a versatile and commonly used infinitive phrase that primarily expresses the act of departing or relinquishing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable in numerous contexts. Its usage is particularly prevalent in news and media, showcasing its neutrality and widespread applicability. When writing with "to leave", ensure that the context clearly specifies what is being left behind to avoid ambiguity, and be mindful of using it instead of similar words like "let". By understanding its proper function and avoiding common errors, you can effectively incorporate "to leave" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to depart

Focuses specifically on the action of going away from a place.

to go away

A more general and less formal way of expressing departure.

to exit

Implies a more formal or structured departure.

to vacate

Implies emptying a space or position.

to abandon

Suggests leaving something or someone behind, often with negative connotations.

to pull out

Suggests withdrawing from an activity or commitment.

to relinquish

Suggests giving up something voluntarily.

to desert

Implies leaving someone or something in a difficult or dangerous situation.

to forsake

Indicates abandoning something cherished or important.

to bail out

An informal term for leaving a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "to leave" in a sentence?

You can use "to leave" to express the act of departing from a place, like in the sentence "She decided "to leave" the party early". It can also mean entrusting something to someone, as in "He chose "to leave" his fortune to his children".

What are some alternatives to "to leave"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to depart", "to exit", or "to go away". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "to leave"?

While "to leave" is generally correct, it would be misused if you intend to convey permission or allowance. For example, "I "to leave" him do the work" is incorrect; the correct phrasing would be "I let him do the work".

What is the difference between "to leave" and "to abandon"?

"To leave" generally means to depart from a place or situation. "To abandon", however, implies leaving something or someone behind, often in a way that is considered irresponsible or uncaring. The level of negative implication is what differentiates them.