a few holidays

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few holidays" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small number of holidays, typically in a casual or conversational context. Example: "I plan to take a few holidays this year to relax and recharge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Then we have quite a few holidays from July until the end of the year.

The Economist

On Second Thought A few holidays ago, my parents gave me an i.o.u. for a mutual-fund investment.

The New York Times

The museum is open every day but Monday and a few holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Thursday to 8 p.m.

The New York Times - Travel

Though some cynics might assume that a few holidays were invented inside the corporation's walls, there was a surprising, undeniable romance to the place.

The New York Times - Travel

"Their commitment to the local people is reflected in the fact that they have continued there with only a few holidays since 1972.

The Guardian

Thirty years ago, a person who did not have five good GCSEs could earn enough to pay the rent on a nice home for their family, maybe run a car, have a few holidays (nothing fancy) and send their children to school safe in the knowledge that life was good and getting better, and that doing what society asked of you was sensible.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

And we all know a few "holiday orphans" who might love an invitation.

The New York Times

Drag a few holiday guests into the kitchen to keep you company at the stove.

The New York Times - Food

And despite a few holiday chills, goodness in the tales will triumph over gloom.

The New York Times - Arts

Now it's dotted with a few holiday homes and historic signs.

The Guardian - Travel

Nigella shares a few holiday snaps, too, happy days in Thailand.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning your time off, be specific. Instead of saying "I need a few holidays", specify the dates and durations for better planning and communication.

Common error

Don't assume that "a few holidays" implies an extended absence. It suggests a limited number of days, not weeks or months. Ensure clarity to avoid misunderstandings about your availability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few holidays" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically quantifying the noun "holidays". It indicates a limited, but not precisely defined, number of holiday periods. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few holidays" is grammatically sound and commonly used to indicate a small number of vacations or breaks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, including news and media. While its frequency is considered uncommon, it serves the purpose of conveying the intent to take a limited number of holidays. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential misinterpretations regarding the duration, and consider specifying dates for better clarity. Alternatives like "several vacations" or "some time off" can provide similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small number of holidays

More formal and explicitly states the limited quantity.

several vacations

Emphasizes more than just a couple but still a limited number of vacations.

a couple of breaks

Implies a slightly smaller quantity and shorter duration than "a few holidays".

some time off

Focuses on the concept of taking time away from work or routine, without specifying it as holidays.

a handful of getaways

Suggests short trips or escapes rather than extended holiday periods.

occasional vacations

Highlights the infrequency or irregularity of the vacations.

intermittent breaks

Emphasizes that the breaks are not continuous but occur at intervals.

periodic respites

More formal and emphasizes rest and recovery during the breaks.

limited vacation time

Focuses on the constraint or restriction of the holiday duration.

select holidays

Emphasizes the choice or picking of particular holidays rather than all.

FAQs

How can I use "a few holidays" in a sentence?

You can use "a few holidays" to describe taking a small number of vacation days, for example: "I'm planning to take "a few holidays" in the summer."

What can I say instead of "a few holidays"?

You can use alternatives like "several vacations", "a couple of breaks", or "some time off" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a few holidays" or "several holidays"?

Both "a few holidays" and "several holidays" are correct, but "a few" implies a smaller number than "several". Choose the one that best reflects the quantity you intend to convey.

What's the difference between "a few holidays" and "a vacation"?

"A vacation" refers to a single instance of taking time off, while ""a few holidays"" indicates multiple instances of taking time off. For example, "I'm planning a vacation" versus "I'm planning "a few holidays" this year".