with your leave

USAGE SUMMARY

"with your leave" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to politely ask for permission to do something. For example: "With your leave, I'd like to take some time off work to care for my sick mother."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's why David Petraeus and Robert Gates and the FBI were reduced to begging Jones to stop his book burning nonsense, but why Rackspace – by virtue of not being a branch of the Federal government – could yank Jones's site without so much as a with-your-leave or a by-your-leave.

TechCrunch

What are some things that you typically do with your leaves?

Yale University

"I think that ultimately, with your leaving, you accept the culpability for the worst tragedy since 9/11".

The New York Times

With your left fist up by your face, move your right arm forward (keep your elbow in) and punch it straight out (c).

Huffington Post

Straighten out your legs behind you and hold your body weight with your left forearm.

WikiHow

Keep your elbows in and your hands up, with your left under your cheek and your right under your chin.

WikiHow

Make sure you don't accidentally throw the ball with your left instead of hitting it with your right.

WikiHow

For the partner following (you're just mirroring): Backward with your right Backward with your left Backward with your right To the left with your left Feet together, moving right to meet left.

WikiHow

Hold one end of the coin with your right thumb and the other with your left pointing finger and spin it as quick as you can anti clockwise.

WikiHow

Throughout the singing part, play the chord with your right hand and follow along providing bass with your left about an octave down.

WikiHow

The tip of your left foot should be on the ground with your left knee a short distance off the ground.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with your leave" in formal settings where deference is important, such as addressing superiors or elders.

Common error

Avoid using "with your leave" in casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or even archaic. Opt for simpler phrases like "with your permission" or "if you don't mind" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with your leave" functions as an idiomatic expression used to politely request permission. It's a formal way of asking for consent, demonstrating respect and deference towards the person being addressed. Although Ludwig provides no direct example, the AI confirms it is correct and formal.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with your leave" is a grammatically correct phrase used to politely request permission, particularly in formal settings. Although Ludwig provides no examples, the AI confirms it is appropriate and the alternatives include phrases like "with your permission" and "if you allow". While it's essential to recognize its formality and avoid overuse in casual contexts, "with your leave" remains a valuable expression for demonstrating respect and deference in appropriate situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with your permission

Direct synonym; emphasizes seeking explicit consent.

by your consent

Formal alternative, similar to "with your permission".

if you allow

More direct and less formal way of asking for permission.

may I

A succinct and polite way to request permission.

if you consent

A more direct way to ask for permission.

if it pleases you

Highly formal and deferential; indicates a willingness to comply with the other person's wishes.

subject to your approval

Indicates action is dependent on the approval of the person being addressed.

at your discretion

Leaves the decision entirely to the other person's judgment.

if you have no objection

Assumes consent unless explicitly denied.

with your blessing

Implies seeking not just permission, but also approval and support.

FAQs

How can I use "with your leave" in a sentence?

You can use "with your leave" to politely request permission. For example, "With your leave, I will proceed with the presentation".

What's a less formal alternative to "with your leave"?

Alternatives include "with your permission", "if you don't mind", or simply "may I" depending on the context.

Is "with your leave" commonly used in modern English?

While grammatically correct, "with your leave" is considered quite formal and is not as common as other phrases like "with your permission".

When is it appropriate to use "with your leave"?

Use "with your leave" in highly formal situations or when addressing someone of higher authority where showing deference is important.