In 15 Seconds
- Use it to say where you are going when exiting.
- Always follow 'for' with a specific destination or purpose.
- Works for daily commutes and big international trips alike.
Meaning
This phrase describes the moment you exit a place to start your journey toward a new destination.
Key Examples
3 of 6Morning routine with a roommate
I usually leave for the office around 7:30.
I usually leave for the office around 7:30.
Texting a friend about a trip
I'm so excited! We leave for Paris tomorrow morning.
I'm so excited! We leave for Paris tomorrow morning.
A professional meeting update
Mr. Smith had to leave for a conference in London.
Mr. Smith had to leave for a conference in London.
Cultural Background
In the UK, 'leaving for the pub' is a significant social ritual, especially on Friday evenings. It marks the transition from work life to social life. When leaving for a trip, it is culturally important to bring back 'Omiyage' (souvenirs) for colleagues. The act of 'leaving for' a place involves a social contract to remember those left behind. The 'Irish Goodbye' is a slang term for leaving a party for home without telling anyone. While 'leaving for home' is the action, the cultural note is about the lack of a formal goodbye. Punctuality is highly valued. If you say you are 'leaving for' an appointment, it is expected that you have calculated the exact time needed to arrive early.
The 'For' Rule
Always use 'for' when the next word is your destination. It's the most common mistake for A2 learners!
Irregular Past
Don't say 'leaved'. The past is 'left'. 'I left for the party an hour ago.'
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to say where you are going when exiting.
- Always follow 'for' with a specific destination or purpose.
- Works for daily commutes and big international trips alike.
What It Means
Leave for is your go-to phrase for departures. It connects your starting point to your goal. You use it when you are physically moving toward a specific place. It focuses on the destination rather than just the exit.
How To Use It
Place the destination immediately after for. You can say I leave for work at 8 AM. It works in past, present, and future tenses. Just remember to change leave to left for the past. It is simple, clean, and very common.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing travel plans or daily routines. It is perfect for airport goodbyes or morning chats. Use it when the destination is the most important part. If you are catching a train, you leave for the station. It sounds active and purposeful.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you are just exiting a room. You don't leave for the kitchen if you are just walking five steps. Avoid it if you don't have a specific destination in mind. If you are just escaping a boring party, just say I am leaving.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, punctuality is often a big deal. Phrases like leave for help people coordinate their busy schedules. It implies a transition from one social role to another. You leave your 'home self' for your 'work self'. It marks the start of a new daily chapter.
Common Variations
Sometimes people say head out for to sound more casual. You might also hear set off for on long adventures. Depart for is the formal cousin used at airports. But leave for remains the most natural choice for everyday life. It is the 'Goldilocks' of departure phrases—just right.
Usage Notes
This phrase is safe for almost any situation. It is neither too slangy nor too stiff, making it a perfect all-rounder for daily English.
The 'For' Rule
Always use 'for' when the next word is your destination. It's the most common mistake for A2 learners!
Irregular Past
Don't say 'leaved'. The past is 'left'. 'I left for the party an hour ago.'
Double Locations
You can use 'from' and 'for' together: 'I'm leaving FROM home FOR the office.'
Polite Exits
Saying 'I'm leaving for home' is a polite way to signal you are tired and want to end a social interaction.
Examples
6I usually leave for the office around 7:30.
I usually leave for the office around 7:30.
Describes a habitual daily action.
I'm so excited! We leave for Paris tomorrow morning.
I'm so excited! We leave for Paris tomorrow morning.
Used for future travel plans.
Mr. Smith had to leave for a conference in London.
Mr. Smith had to leave for a conference in London.
Professional way to explain someone's absence.
I'm just leaving for the restaurant now, see you soon!
I'm just leaving for the restaurant now, see you soon!
Commonly used in 'on my way' texts.
If you leave for her now, don't ever come back!
If you leave for her now, don't ever come back!
Here 'for' implies leaving one person to be with another.
I need to leave for my 9:00 AM meeting at 6:00 AM because I walk like a turtle.
I need to leave for my 9:00 AM meeting at 6:00 AM because I walk like a turtle.
Hyperbole used for comedic effect.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'leave for'.
Yesterday, they _______ London at 7:00 AM.
The sentence uses 'Yesterday', so we need the past tense form 'left for'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the best option:
'Leave for' is the correct collocation for a destination, and 'am leaving' is the correct present continuous form.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Why are you in such a hurry? B: I need to _______ my flight!
After 'need to', we use the base form of the verb.
Match the destination to the reason for leaving.
If you are 'leaving for the hospital', you are likely...
The destination 'hospital' implies a medical reason.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Leave For vs. Go To
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYesterday, they _______ London at 7:00 AM.
The sentence uses 'Yesterday', so we need the past tense form 'left for'.
Choose the best option:
'Leave for' is the correct collocation for a destination, and 'am leaving' is the correct present continuous form.
A: Why are you in such a hurry? B: I need to _______ my flight!
After 'need to', we use the base form of the verb.
If you are 'leaving for the hospital', you are likely...
The destination 'hospital' implies a medical reason.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that is incorrect. You should say 'I leave for London'. 'Leave' uses 'for' to indicate destination.
The past tense is 'left for'. For example: 'He left for the airport at 6 AM.'
Yes, but 'depart for' is more formal. You will see 'depart for' on flight screens and 'leave for' in conversation.
Yes, but it means you are abandoning one person to be with another. 'He left his partner for someone else.'
It depends on the noun. 'Leave for work' (no article), 'Leave for the airport' (with article).
No, you can leave for a meeting, leave for lunch, or even leave for a new job.
Just say 'I'm leaving.' Do not use 'for'.
'Go to' focuses on the movement and destination. 'Leave for' focuses on the moment of departure toward that destination.
No, say 'I'm leaving for lunch' or 'I'm leaving to eat'. Don't mix 'for' and 'to' like that.
In casual American English, 'head for' is very common, but 'leave for' is the standard everywhere.
Related Phrases
depart for
synonymTo leave for a destination (formal).
head for
similarTo move in the direction of.
set off for
builds onTo begin a journey.
leave behind
contrastTo forget or abandon something at the starting point.
make for
similarTo move quickly toward something.
bound for
specialized formHeading toward a destination (usually for vehicles).
