are on vacation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are on vacation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is currently taking a break from work or daily activities, typically for leisure or travel. Example: "The employees are on vacation this week, so there will be a delay in processing requests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Our landlords are on vacation in Calabria.

The New Yorker

Sorry, your college counselors are on vacation!

The New York Times

"When they are on vacation, they'll buy.

The New York Times

You are living without it: you are on vacation.

The New York Times

Maureen Dowd and Thomas L. Friedman are on vacation.

The New York Times

"You feel like you are on vacation all year round".

The New York Times

They are on vacation in Manhattan for five days.

The New York Times

Maybe, given that it is August, they are on vacation.

The New York Times

Nicholas D. Kristof and David Brooks are on vacation.

The New York Times

Leaders are on vacation, trading is thin and speculators have a larger impact.

The New York Times

Whether or not they are on vacation, they are on view.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about people "are on vacation", consider specifying the location or duration to provide more context for your readers.

Common error

Be mindful of subject-verb agreement. While "family" is a collective noun, ensure the verb form matches. For instance, in American English, "The family is on vacation" is correct, while in British English, "The family are on vacation" is acceptable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are on vacation" functions as a predicate adjective describing the state of being away from work or regular duties for leisure. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples where the phrase indicates a temporary absence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are on vacation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe someone taking a break from work or daily life for leisure. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, consider the context and specify location or duration for clarity. While generally neutral, remember that the verb agreement can vary slightly between American and British English. Alternatives like "are taking a vacation" or "are enjoying a holiday" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are taking a vacation

Focuses on the act of taking a vacation rather than the state.

are currently vacationing

Uses the verb form "vacationing" to describe the activity.

are enjoying a holiday

Uses "holiday" instead of "vacation", common in British English.

are away on holiday

Similar to "are enjoying a holiday", uses "away" to indicate absence.

are having a break

Emphasizes a temporary cessation from work or activity.

are taking some time off

Highlights the act of taking time away from regular duties.

are out of office

Specifically indicates absence from the workplace.

are on leave

Implies an approved absence from work, potentially for more than just leisure.

are not working

Simply states they are not engaged in work.

are resting

Focuses on the relaxation aspect of a break.

FAQs

How do I use "are on vacation" in a sentence?

You can use "are on vacation" to describe someone taking a break from work or daily life, as in "The employees "are on vacation" this week."

What can I say instead of "are on vacation"?

Alternatives include "are taking a vacation", "are enjoying a holiday", or "are taking some time off", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is on vacation" or "are on vacation" when referring to a group?

It depends on whether you're treating the group as a single unit or as individuals. "Is on vacation" treats the group as one entity (more common in American English), while "are on vacation" emphasizes the individual members (common in British English).

What's the difference between "are on vacation" and "are on leave"?

"Are on vacation" typically implies a break for leisure, while "are on leave" can refer to any approved absence from work, including sick leave, maternity leave, or sabbatical.