Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
upon departure
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"upon departure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the moment or time when something or someone leaves or departs from a certain place. For example, "The teacher gave her students some final advice upon departure."
✓ Grammatically correct
Academia
Formal & Business
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
50 human-written examples
CEO duality implies lower likelihood of interim appointment upon departure.
Academia
These charges are automatically posted as a nightly gratuity to be paid upon departure.
News & Media
Upon departure, my wife and I donated most of our clothes.
News & Media
They should be signed, stamped and left at the airport upon departure.
News & Media
Upon departure from NASA, he received the Distinguished Service Medal, the highest award the agency confers.
Academia
The race began with terrible weather, which made him seasick upon departure from Les Sables d'Olonne in November.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
10 human-written examples
But upon his departure the game was up.
News & Media
Twice, upon his departure, India faltered in the face of aggressive bowling and outstanding fielding.
News & Media
Upon their departure Mrs Assingham appraised her husband of the situation.
News & Media
"I'm not sure if we're even related," Clara says upon her departure.
News & Media
Instead, the question is: How can we forestall its full-fledged resurgence upon our departure?
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "upon departure" to clearly indicate a specific action or event that occurs when someone or something is leaving a place. For instance, "Upon departure, ensure all personal belongings are collected."
Common error
Avoid using future tense verbs directly after "upon departure". Instead of saying "Upon departure, the package will be shipped", use present tense: "Upon departure, the package is shipped" or "Upon departure, the package will be shipped immediately."
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "upon departure" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to specify the timing of an action or event. As Ludwig indicates, it denotes the moment something or someone leaves a place. Examples from Ludwig show it connecting actions to the point of leaving, such as settling accounts or receiving career counseling.
Frequent in
News & Media
36%
Academia
22%
Science
16%
Less common in
Wiki
8%
Formal & Business
8%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "upon departure" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that signifies the moment of leaving. As confirmed by Ludwig, its function is to indicate the timing of an action or event in relation to a departure. The phrase is most commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating a formal to professional register. When using "upon departure", ensure the subsequent verb tense is appropriate, typically present or future with a modal verb, to avoid grammatical errors. While alternative phrases like "on leaving" or "at the time of departure" exist, "upon departure" offers a clear and concise way to denote actions that coincide with the act of leaving.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
on leaving
More concise and slightly less formal.
at the time of departure
More verbose and emphasizes the specific moment.
as they departed
Rephrases the departure as an action.
when departing
Expresses the departure as a time-bound event.
before leaving
Focuses on the action preceding the departure.
at their exit
Uses a more formal term for leaving.
as they exited
Describes the action of exiting.
at the point of exit
Highlights the specific location or moment of leaving.
following departure
Focuses on what happens after leaving.
after their leave-taking
More formal and emphasizes the act of saying goodbye.
FAQs
How can I use "upon departure" in a sentence?
You can use "upon departure" to describe an action or event that takes place when someone leaves. For example, "Upon departure from the hotel, guests are required to settle their accounts."
What are some alternatives to "upon departure"?
Alternatives include phrases like "on leaving", "at the time of departure", or "as they departed". The best choice depends on the specific context.
Is "upon departure" formal or informal?
"Upon departure" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In less formal contexts, phrases like "when leaving" or "as they left" might be more appropriate.
What's the difference between "upon departure" and "after departure"?
"Upon departure" refers to something happening at the exact moment of leaving, while "after departure" ("after departure") refers to something happening sometime later.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested