"Leaving for work" vs "left work"

Question

"Leaving for work" vs "left work"

The phrases 'leaving for work' and 'left work' are not directly comparable as they refer to different points in time. 'Leaving for work' indicates the action of departing to go to work, while 'left work' indicates the action of departing from work at the end of a workday. Both phrases are correct in their respective contexts.

Last Updated: April 06, 2024

This phrase is used to describe the act of departing from one's current location to go to work. It implies the beginning of the journey to the workplace.

Examples:

I am leaving for work now.
She is always in a hurry when leaving for work.

Alternatives:

heading to work
commuting to work
going to work
starting the workday

This phrase is used to describe the act of departing from one's workplace at the end of the workday. It implies the completion of work and the departure from the workplace.

Examples:

He left work early today.
She always feels relieved when she has left work.

Alternatives:

finished work
ended the workday
clocked out
departed from work

Answer 1

Leaving for work

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the action of departing to go to work.

Answer 2

left work

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the action of departing from work at the end of a workday.