was on leave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was on leave" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone was absent or away from their usual duties or responsibilities for a certain period of time, often due to a planned break or vacation. Example: "John was on leave for two weeks, so Sarah had to cover his tasks while he was away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The trust maintained that Lowe was "on leave".

The Guardian

She was on leave in London at the time and celebrated under one of that city's landmarks.

The New York Times

This past year, Stone was on leave at Cambridge University.

Princeton University

We spent three days together while he was on leave.

The New York Times

But he was on leave and out of reach.

The Guardian

He was on leave at Google in 2014 and 2015, before returning to Cornell.

Cornell University

It was the early '70s, and I was on leave from the Army.

The New York Times

From 2006 to 2008 he was on leave as a visiting fellow at Stanford University.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She heard the news from her Uncle George, who was on leave from Korea.

The Washington Post

"I was at home at Thanksgiving and my brother was on leave.

The Guardian - Film

Their lawyers have also said Sergeant Beteta was on leave at the time of the crime.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was on leave", specify the type of leave if relevant (e.g., maternity leave, sabbatical, sick leave) to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "was on leave" without providing sufficient context. State the duration and reason for the leave to prevent confusion or ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was on leave" functions as a predicative expression, indicating a temporary state of absence from one's regular duties or position. It usually requires additional context to specify the reason for the leave.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

27%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was on leave" is a versatile expression used to indicate a temporary absence from regular duties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is "very common" across various contexts, particularly in news and media and academic settings. To ensure clarity, specify the reason for the leave whenever possible, and avoid using the phrase without providing sufficient context. Consider using alternative phrases such as "was absent" or "was taking time off" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. In essence, "was on leave" serves as a practical and straightforward way to explain someone's temporary unavailability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was granted leave of absence

Emphasizes the formal approval of the absence, common in official settings.

was absent from duty

Focuses on the absence from assigned tasks, often used in formal contexts.

was excused from duties

Highlights the permission or authorization to be away from required tasks.

was off work

A more general term for absence from work, without specifying the reason.

was taking time off

A broad term indicating a period of rest or personal time away from work.

was taking a sabbatical

Specifically implies an extended leave for academic or professional development.

was out of office

A common professional phrase indicating temporary absence from the workplace.

was on vacation

Indicates absence due to recreational travel or leisure.

was on a break

Suggests a temporary pause from regular activities, often shorter than a typical leave.

was enjoying a respite

Implies a period of rest and relaxation, often after a period of intense work.

FAQs

How do I use "was on leave" in a sentence?

You can use "was on leave" to indicate someone's temporary absence from their duties, such as "The professor "was on leave" for research purposes" or "She "was on leave" due to illness".

What are some alternatives to "was on leave"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "was absent", "was off work", "was on vacation", or "was taking time off".

Is it correct to say "is on leave" or "was on leave"?

Both are correct, but "is on leave" refers to the present, while "was on leave" refers to the past. For example, "She is on leave this week" versus "She "was on leave" last month".

What's the difference between "was on leave" and "was on vacation"?

"Was on leave" is a broader term that can include various reasons for absence, such as vacation, illness, or sabbatical. "Was on vacation" specifically indicates the absence is for recreational travel or leisure.