leave of absence
B2Formal, Administrative
Definition
Meaning
Official, temporary permission to be away from one's job, duties, or studies, often granted for a specific reason and period.
A period during which one is formally excused from regular obligations (e.g., military, political office, jury duty) with an expectation of return. In some contexts, it implies a more serious, long-term break than casual time off.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun. Emphasises formal, sanctioned departure, not mere physical leaving. The reason for the leave is often specified (e.g., parental, medical, sabbatical).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: More common in institutional contexts (schools, military). US: Used heavily in corporate and academic environments; 'sabbatical' is a common specific type in universities. The phrase 'take a leave of absence' is slightly more frequent in US English.
Connotations
Both varieties carry connotations of seriousness and formality. In UK military contexts, it's standard; in US corporate contexts, it can imply personal/family health issues.
Frequency
Similar medium-high frequency in formal/workplace contexts in both varieties. Rare in casual conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to take a leave of absence from [organisation]to grant [someone] a leave of absenceto be on a leave of absenceto request a leave of absence for [reason]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To take a leave of absence from reality (humorous/critical).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
She requested a six-month unpaid leave of absence to care for a family member.
Academic
The professor is on a research leave of absence for the spring semester.
Everyday
I won't be in the office chat for a while—I'm on a leave of absence.
Technical
The court clerk was granted a leave of absence under Section 14.2 of the employment statute.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My colleague is on a leave of absence this month.
- He asked for a leave of absence from his studies.
- The company granted her a paid leave of absence for three months following the surgery.
- Soldiers must formally apply for a leave of absence to travel abroad.
- After the scandal, the minister took a voluntary leave of absence while the investigation was conducted.
- Her groundbreaking research was conducted during a year-long sabbatical leave of absence from the university.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a formal LEAVE (permission to go) paper granting ABSENCE (not being there). It's an official document for not being officially present.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERMISSION IS A FORMAL DOCUMENT; AN EXCEPTION IS A SANCTIONED SPACE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'отпуск' (отпуск = holiday/vacation). 'Leave of absence' is for specific, often serious reasons, not annual paid leave. Closer to 'отгул' but more formal and long-term, or 'отпуск за свой счёт' (unpaid leave).
Common Mistakes
- Using it for short, informal breaks ('I took a leave of absence for the afternoon' – incorrect). Confusing it with 'sick leave' (which is a type of leave of absence). Incorrect preposition: 'leave for absence'.
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario BEST describes a typical 'leave of absence'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be either, depending on the employer's policy, the reason (e.g., maternity/paternity vs. personal), and the country's labour laws. It must be specified as 'paid' or 'unpaid'.
A sabbatical is a specific type of leave of absence, typically for academic or professional development (e.g., research, writing), often paid or partially paid, and traditionally every seven years. 'Leave of absence' is the broader category.
Formally, in writing, to your manager or HR department, stating the reason, proposed start/end dates, and any supporting documentation (e.g., a doctor's note).
Yes. Employers or institutions can deny a request if it doesn't meet policy criteria, would cause undue operational disruption, or if insufficient notice/reason is provided.
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