10 Time-off Expressions

Here are 10 time-off expressions that can come in handy at work as well as in your daily communication in English and provide a better understanding.

To take time off 

To be absent from work, at home, or on vacation.
Ex: I’m going to take a few days off to visit my parents.

To take a vacation 

To take time away from work, especially when you travel for pleasure.
Ex: I’m taking my vacation next month. We’re going to Greece.

To take a sabbatical

To take time away from work to study or travel, usually while continuing to be paid.
Ex: He’s on sabbatical while he does his MBA. He’ll be back next month.

To take unpaid leave 

To have an authorized absence from work but without a salary.
Ex: She’s taken some unpaid leave while she moves house.

To be off sick

To be absent from work due to illness.
Ex: When you’re off sick, you must provide a doctor’s note.

Sick leave 

The time when you can be absent from work, often while being
paid part or all of your salary.
Ex: She is having an operation and she’ll be on sick leave for the next two months.

Maternity leave 

The period a mother is legally authorized to be absent from work before and after the birth of a child.
Ex: Her maternity leave finishes next week but she is not coming back to work.

Parental leave 

The time that a parent is allowed to spend away from work to take care of their baby.
Ex: Thomas has taken parental leave to look after the baby while his wife is getting back to work.

Sick pay 

The money paid by a company to an employee who cannot work due to illness.
Ex: If you are absent from work due to illness, you may be able to claim sick pay.

A public holiday 

A day when almost everybody does not have to go to work (for example January 1st).
Ex: We have 25 days paid holiday plus 10 public holidays.

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