took a sabbatical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took a sabbatical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a period of time away from work or regular duties, often for rest, study, or travel. Example: "After years of working non-stop, she finally took a sabbatical to travel the world and recharge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So he took a sabbatical.

The New York Times - Food

So, she took a sabbatical and went traveling in Asia.

The New York Times

D'Angelo: The neo-soul star took a sabbatical in 2000.

Independent

Then, from late 1993 to early 1994, Rabbi Neulander took a sabbatical.

The New York Times

In 1998 the then deputy, Anwar Ibrahim, took over while Dr Mahathir took a sabbatical.

The Guardian

At 12, his horizons broadened when his parents took a sabbatical in Canada.

The Guardian - Music

Newson also took a sabbatical, during which he became involved in local politics.

The Guardian

Holman resumed coaching from 1954-56, took took a sabbatical for two more seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

Michael Jordan won three titles with Chicago, took a sabbatical, came back and won three more.

The New York Times - Sports

In 1989 Dr. Kernberg took a sabbatical to study the legal aspects of divorce.

The New York Times

She took a sabbatical in 2007 to write a biography of King George III's daughters.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Specify the reason for the sabbatical to provide context. For example, "She took a sabbatical to write a book".

Common error

Don't use "sabbatical" interchangeably with vacation or sick leave. A sabbatical typically involves a planned period away from work for a specific purpose, such as research or personal growth, while vacation is for leisure and sick leave is for illness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a sabbatical" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of taking a break from regular work or studies, typically for an extended period. Ludwig examples show it describes planned time off for various reasons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took a sabbatical" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies taking an extended break from work or studies for personal or professional development. As Ludwig AI shows, it's versatile across various contexts, although most common in news and science media. The phrase has several alternatives, such as "went on leave" or "took time off", depending on the desired nuance. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of a planned leave, distinct from a simple vacation or sick leave. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went on leave

Focuses on the act of being on leave, a broader term than sabbatical.

had a leave of absence

Highlights the authorized absence from a job or duty.

took a break from work

Emphasizes a temporary cessation from employment duties.

spent time away from work

A simple and direct way of saying someone was not working for a period.

took time off

A more general term indicating a period of absence from regular activities, not specifically work.

embarked on a career break

Implies a more significant and potentially longer interruption of one's career.

stepped away from duties

Highlights the temporary relinquishment of responsibilities.

ceased working temporarily

Formally states the suspension of work activities.

paused professional activity

Emphasizes the temporary halt of activities related to one's profession.

enjoyed a period of respite

Suggests a break taken for rest and recovery.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "took a sabbatical"?

The phrase "took a sabbatical" refers to taking an extended break from work or one's usual occupation, often for rest, travel, study, or other forms of personal or professional development. It is typically a planned leave of absence.

How do I properly use "took a sabbatical" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's past action of taking a sabbatical, such as "The professor "took a sabbatical" to conduct research" or "After many years of service, she "took a sabbatical" to travel the world".

What are some alternatives to "took a sabbatical"?

Alternatives include "went on leave", "took a break from work", "had a leave of absence", or simply "took time off", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to say "took a sabbatical" in a formal setting?

Yes, "took a sabbatical" is appropriate in formal settings, especially when discussing academic or professional contexts. It clearly conveys the idea of a planned and extended leave for specific purposes. It's also used in "news media".