withdraw from school

USAGE SUMMARY

"withdraw from school" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about leaving or taking a break from attending school, either temporarily or permanently. For example: "The student decided to withdraw from school and pursue a career in acting instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

A lung infection caused him to withdraw from school, and he returned to Lebanon to recuperate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To be eligible for another season, Cody had to withdraw from school.

Princeton University

The cost benefit simulations suggest that private considerations make children withdraw from school and join the labor market earlier than is socially desirable.

Economics of Education Review

Seven (as they were christened on Twitter) detailed the timeline that led to their decision to withdraw from school.

The New Yorker

Last year, before announcing that the university had uncovered widespread cheating, a Harvard administrator sent an e-mail to the university's resident deans, saying that potentially culpable athletes might withdraw from school temporarily.

The New York Times

And although I have less than three credits to go, I may have to withdraw from school because I have not been able to make it to enough classes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

We do not require that you withdraw from schools where you have not yet received a final admissions decision, for example if you remain on a wait list.

University of California, Berkeley

W.P. withdrew from school and left New Jersey.

The New Yorker

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA -- Announced freshman CB Eric Wright withdrew from school.

The New York Times

Kaleigh's condition had become so grave that she withdrew from school.

The New Yorker

In April 1928 she withdrew from school, citing "illness," before having an abortion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Specify whether the withdrawal is temporary or permanent to avoid ambiguity. Use "take a leave of absence" for temporary situations.

Common error

Avoid using "withdraw from school" when the student is expelled or suspended. "Withdraw" implies a voluntary action, while expulsion and suspension are involuntary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "withdraw from school" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of formally discontinuing enrollment in an educational institution. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

32%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "withdraw from school" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes the act of formally discontinuing enrollment in an educational institution. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and business. It's important to use this phrase when referring to a voluntary and formal process, distinguishing it from terms like "dropping out". Remember to provide context for the withdrawal reason and whether it's temporary or permanent. Alternative phrases like "take a leave of absence" can offer more specific nuances. Steer clear of confusing "withdraw" with expulsion or suspension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drop out of school

This alternative suggests a more permanent cessation of studies.

leave school

This is a more general term that doesn't specify the reason for discontinuing studies.

disenroll from school

This suggests a formal removal from the school's register.

take a leave of absence from school

This implies a temporary break with the intention to return.

suspend studies

This focuses on the temporary interruption of academic pursuits.

interrupt education

This highlights the disruption to the educational process.

halt studies

This suggests a more abrupt cessation of studies.

cease attending school

This is a more formal way of saying someone stopped going to school.

terminate enrollment

This indicates a formal and often administrative process.

discontinue education

This is a broad term for stopping one's education.

FAQs

What does it mean to "withdraw from school"?

To "withdraw from school" means to formally discontinue your enrollment, either temporarily or permanently. It's a voluntary action that requires you to follow the school's official withdrawal procedure.

What are some common reasons to "withdraw from school"?

Common reasons include financial difficulties, health problems, family emergencies, academic struggles, or a change in career goals. Sometimes, students "take a leave of absence from school" with the intention to return.

Is "withdraw from school" the same as "dropping out of school"?

While both terms refer to stopping school, "withdraw from school" often implies a more formal and sometimes temporary cessation, whereas "dropping out of school" typically suggests a permanent end to one's education. You might "take a leave of absence from school" but you don't "drop out" temporarily.

What should I do if I'm considering "withdrawing from school"?

Talk to your academic advisor, professors, and family members to explore all your options. Understand the consequences of withdrawing, such as the impact on financial aid and your academic record, before making a final decision. You might find resources that allow you to "continue your education".