paternity leave

Meaning

Paternity leave is a period of approved absence from work for a father or partner following the birth or adoption of a child. It allows the father to bond with the new baby and support their partner during the initial weeks of parenthood.

Examples

• David took two weeks of paternity leave to help care for his newborn son.

  David took two weeks of paternity leave to help care for his newborn son.

• The new government policy guarantees paid paternity leave for all working fathers.

  The new government policy guarantees paid paternity leave for all working fathers.

• He will be on paternity leave starting from the day his partner goes into labor.

  He will be on paternity leave starting from the day his partner goes into labor.

• Many modern companies are expanding their paternity leave benefits to attract talent.

  Many modern companies are expanding their paternity leave benefits to attract talent.

• He discussed his plans for paternity leave with his manager well in advance.

  He discussed his plans for paternity leave with his manager well in advance.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He is going to a paternity leave next month.

  ✓ He is going on paternity leave next month.

  The preposition 'on' is used with 'leave' (e.g., 'on paternity leave'), not 'to'.

• ✗ The mother is taking paternity leave.

  ✓ The mother is taking maternity leave.

  'Paternity leave' is for the father (derived from Latin 'pater' for father), while 'maternity leave' is for the mother.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The new father decided to take a month of ___ to bond with his baby.

  💡 Time off work for a father after a child is born.

  Show answer

  paternity leave

• Does your company offer paid ___ for fathers?

  💡 Male parent's time off.

  Show answer

  paternity leave