"left for" vs "leave for work"

Question

"left for" vs "leave for work"

The phrases "leave for work" and "left for" are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes. "Leave for work" is used to indicate the action of departing for work in the present or future tense, while "left for" is used to describe the action of departing in the past tense. Both phrases are correct in their respective contexts.

Last Updated: April 06, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that someone departed for a destination in the past. It is typically followed by the destination or purpose of the departure.

Examples:

She left for the airport an hour ago.
They left for the party without saying goodbye.
He left for his business trip yesterday.
We left for the concert as soon as we finished dinner.
The train left for the next station on time.

This phrase is used to express the act of departing for work at the current moment or in the future. It implies that the person is about to go to work.

Examples:

I need to leave for work in 10 minutes.
She always leaves for work early in the morning.
Do you want to leave for work together?
They usually leave for work by bus.
He will leave for work after breakfast.

Answer 1

left for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe the action of departing in the past tense.

Answer 2

leave for work

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the action of departing for work in the present or future tense.