Sometimes, saying ‘I want to leave’ can come across as blunt or harsh, especially in sensitive situations. It’s essential to find the right words to express this thought, personal or professional. Here are alternative ways to say it, with examples to guide you in different scenarios.
Discover “Other Ways to Say ‘I Want to Leave’” and elevate your vocabulary with engaging alternatives. Perfect for casual chats, professional emails, or creative writing—express your desire to exit with finesse!
List of other ways to say “I want to leave”
- I need to go.
- I’m ready to head out.
- I’d like to take my leave.
- I think it’s time for me to go.
- I want to make an exit.
- I’m looking to depart.
- I feel it’s time to leave.
- I’m considering leaving.
- I need to step away.
- I’m thinking of heading out.
- I want to excuse myself.
- I’d like to call it a night.
- It’s time for me to take off.
- I need to make a move.
- I’m eager to be on my way.
- I think I’ll be leaving now.
- I’d like to wrap things up.
- I want to bow out.
1. “I Think It’s Time for Me to Go”
When you’re subtly trying to suggest that your time is up, this phrase softens the directness of ‘I want to leave.’
Scenario Example:
Subject: Time to Call It a Night
Hi Darcy,
I had a great time this evening, but I think it’s time for me to go. I’ve got an early start tomorrow, and I want to make sure I’m well-rested. Thanks again for hosting—it was lovely seeing everyone!
Warm regards,
Elizabeth
2. “I Should Be Heading Out Now”
A polite, gentle way of indicating that you’re ready to leave.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Heading Out Now
Hey Darcy,
I’ve enjoyed our meeting, but it looks like I should be heading out now. There’s a pile of work waiting for me at home, and I need to get ahead before tomorrow. Let’s catch up again soon!
Take care,
Elizabeth
3. “I Need to Make My Exit”
This phrase adds a touch of formality and class, often used in professional environments.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Time to Wrap Up
Hi Darcy,
I wanted to thank you for the wonderful evening, but I need to make my exit now. I have an early commitment tomorrow morning. Let’s plan to catch up over coffee later this week!
Best,
Elizabeth
4. “I Think I’m Going to Head Out”
A casual and friendly way of excusing yourself, perfect for informal settings.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Heading Out Now
Hey Darcy,
It’s been so fun hanging out today, but I think I’m going to head out. I’ve got a few errands to run before the day ends. Let’s make plans again soon!
Cheers,
Elizabeth
5. “I Should Get Going”
This is another polite phrase, particularly useful when you don’t want to sound abrupt.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Time to Head Off
Hi Darcy,
I’ve really enjoyed our conversation, but I think I should get going. I’ve got a few more tasks to handle tonight. Let’s stay in touch and meet again soon!
Best,
Elizabeth
6. “It’s About Time I Hit the Road”
A bit more casual and often used in friendly settings, this phrase works well with close acquaintances.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Time to Hit the Road
Hey Darcy,
This evening has been a blast, but it’s about time I hit the road. I’ve got an early start tomorrow, and I need to get home. Let’s plan another evening like this soon!
Talk soon,
Elizabeth
7. “I Believe It’s Time for Me to Depart”
This is a slightly more formal way to announce your departure, often used in professional or semi-formal settings.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Wrapping Up
Dear Darcy,
It’s been a pleasure discussing ideas with you this evening, but I believe it’s time for me to depart. I have an early meeting tomorrow that I must prepare for. Let’s reconvene next week for another productive session.
Kind regards,
Elizabeth
8. “I Think I’ll Take My Leave”
This phrase adds a touch of old-school politeness and formality.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Time to Leave
Hi Darcy,
I’ve had such a pleasant evening with you, but I think I’ll take my leave now. It’s getting late, and I want to catch up on some reading before bed. Let’s get together again soon!
Best regards,
Elizabeth
9. “I Must Be Going Now”
A traditional phrase used in various settings when you need to leave politely.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Signing Off
Hey Darcy,
It’s been great catching up, but I must be going now. There’s still some work I need to finish before tomorrow. I must be going now, but let’s touch base later this week.
All the best,
Elizabeth
10. “I’m Afraid I Have to Leave Now”
This phrase expresses a regretful tone, showing that you’d prefer to stay, but circumstances require otherwise.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Leaving Early
Hi Darcy,
I wish I could stay longer, but I’m afraid I have to leave now. There’s something urgent I need to take care of tonight. Let’s make plans soon to continue where we left off!
Take care,
Elizabeth
11. “I’ve Got to Head Off Now”
A simple and straightforward way to announce you need to leave.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Heading Off Now
Hey Darcy,
I’ve enjoyed the time we spent together today, but I’ve got to head off now. I’ve got a couple of tasks left to finish tonight. Looking forward to our next chat!
Talk soon,
Elizabeth
12. “I’m Going to Call It a Day”
Perfect for closing out the end of a long day, especially in professional settings.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Wrapping Up for the Day
Hi Darcy,
Today’s been quite productive, but I think I’m going to call it a day. There’s always more to tackle tomorrow! Let’s pick things up in the morning.
Best,
Elizabeth
13. “I Should Probably Get Moving”
A casual, indirect way to suggest that you’re ready to leave.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Time to Head Out
Hey Darcy,
I’ve loved our chat, but I should probably get moving. There are a few things I need to do before the day is over. Let’s get together again soon!
Cheers,
Elizabeth
14. “I’ve Got to Take Off”
A casual phrase used commonly among friends.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Taking Off Now
Hey Darcy,
I’ve had such a great time today, but I’ve got to take off. It’s getting late, and I need to get a few things done before bed. Let’s hang out again soon!
Talk later,
Elizabeth
15. “It’s Time for Me to Get Going”
Another common phrase to gently express your intent to leave.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Time to Leave
Hi Darcy,
It’s been wonderful catching up with you, but it’s time for me to get going. I’ve got a few things on my to-do list for the evening. Let’s make plans for next week!
Best regards,
Elizabeth
16. “I’d Better Make a Move”
This phrase subtly indicates that you’re preparing to leave.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Wrapping Up
Hey Darcy,
This evening has been amazing, but I’d better make a move now. It’s getting late, and I’ve got a busy day tomorrow. Looking forward to catching up again soon!
Warm regards,
Elizabeth
17. “I’m Going to Head Out Now”
A simple yet effective phrase to use when you’re ready to leave.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Heading Out
Hi Darcy,
I’ve had such a great time today, but I’m going to head out now. There’s still some work waiting for me at home. Let’s meet again soon!
Take care,
Elizabeth
18. “I Need to Get Going”
A polite phrase to announce your need to leave.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Time to Leave
Hi Darcy,
It’s been a pleasure spending time with you, but I think I need to get going. There are a few more things I need to wrap up tonight. Let’s make plans soon!
Best,
Elizabeth
