how to use the English word leave in sentences

 The English word "leave" is a highly versatile verb and noun. As a verb, its core meanings revolve around departing or allowing something to remain/exist in a certain state.

Here is a breakdown of how to use the verb "leave" in sentences, categorized by meaning and common structure:

I. Meaning: To Depart or Go Away (自動詞/他動詞)

This is the most common usage, meaning to go away from a place or person.

Structure	Example Sentence	Explanation
leave + (place)	I need to leave the office early today.	Departing from a specific location.
leave + (time)	The train will leave at 8:00 AM.	Used for scheduled departures. (Often interchangeable with "depart").
leave for + (destination)	We are leaving for Paris next week.	Going away in order to reach a destination.
leave + (person)	He left his family when he was 18.	Abandoning or departing from a person/group.
(Intransitive)	She said goodbye and left.	Used without an object; simply means "departed."

II. Meaning: To Let Remain or Keep in a State (他動詞)

This means to put something somewhere and go, or to cause something to remain in a certain condition.

Structure	Example Sentence	Explanation
leave + (object) + (place)	Please leave your keys on the table.	Placing an object and departing/moving away.
leave + (object) + (adjective/state)	The news left me speechless.	Causing the object to remain in a certain emotional or physical state.
leave + (object) + doing	Don't leave the water running.	Letting an action continue/remain undone (often used in the negative).
leave + (object) + to do	I left the dishes to soak overnight.	Leaving a task for later (i.e., allowing them to remain in a state of 'being soaked').

III. Meaning: To Entrust, Allow, or Delegate (他動詞)

This structure is used for giving responsibility or choice to someone else.

Structure	Example Sentence	Explanation
leave + (decision/matter) + to + (person)	I will leave the planning to you.	Entrusting a task/responsibility to someone.
leave it + up to + (person)	It's up to you to decide, I'll leave it up to you.	Giving someone the final choice or authority.

IV. Meaning: To Bequeath or Hand Down (遺産・遺言) (他動詞)

Used specifically when talking about wills or things handed down through generations.

Structure	Example Sentence	Explanation
leave + (object) + to + (person)	My grandfather left his entire estate to charity.	Bequeathing property or money in a will.

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Key Points to Remember:

1. Past Tense & Past Participle: The word "leave" is an irregular verb.

   • Present: leave

   • Past Simple: left

   • Past Participle: left (e.g., "The package has been left at the door.")

2. "Leave" vs. "Let": Although similar in some contexts, "leave" means to allow to remain in a state, while "let" means to give permission.

   • Leave me alone! (Allow me to remain in a solitary state.)

   • Let me go. (Give me permission to go.)

Example Dialogue using "Leave"

• A: I'm sorry, I have to leave now. What time should I leave for the airport tomorrow?

• B: Oh, okay. Let's leave the details to your assistant. But please leave your report on my desk before you go.

• A: Will do. I hope I didn't leave the office a mess.

• B: No, it looks fine. Have a good evening!