day off

USAGE SUMMARY

"day off" is a correct phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a day in which someone is not working, or when someone is taking a break from their regular obligations. For example, "I'm taking a day off this Saturday to relax and catch up with friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For his day off...

The New Yorker

"Nobody gets the day off".

Los Angeles Times

Friday's a day off, you see.

The Guardian - Sport

A day off at Wimbledon?

The New York Times - Sports

"Just a day off," Reyes said.

The New York Times

Good Lord! Have a swell day off!

The New York Times

"Take a day off," she told Helen.

The New Yorker

What to do with whole day off?

The New Yorker

"I need a day off, too.

The New York Times

He never takes a day off".

The New York Times

"He deserved a day off," Woodson said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting a "day off", specify the date clearly and provide ample notice to your employer to ensure smooth coverage of your responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "day off" automatically aligns with public holidays. Always confirm your company's holiday schedule and your eligibility for those days off separately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "day off" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a period of time when one is excused from work or other regular duties. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, reinforcing its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "day off" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a break from work or regular duties. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions primarily as a noun phrase. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, the phrase serves to inform about schedules or intentions regarding time away from responsibilities. While versatile, it's important to distinguish "day off" from official holidays or assume it equates to superior performance on remaining days. Consider alternatives like "time off" or "day of leave" depending on the context. Remember to provide ample notice when requesting a "day off" to ensure smooth workflow management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time off

A more general term that can refer to any duration of absence from work.

day of rest

Emphasizes the recuperative aspect of not working.

day of leave

Highlights the permission or authorization aspect of being away from work.

vacation day

Specifies that the "day off" is part of a longer vacation.

personal day

Indicates the "day off" is used for personal matters or needs.

sick day

Specifies that the "day off" is due to illness.

holiday

Refers to a day off that is typically mandated or widely observed.

break

A general term for a pause in activity, which can be shorter than a full "day off".

leave of absence

Suggests a longer, more formal period away from work.

furlough

Indicates a mandatory, often unpaid, temporary leave from work.

FAQs

How can I use "day off" in a sentence?

You can use "day off" to describe a day when someone doesn't work, such as: "I'm planning to take a "day off" next week to relax" or "Tuesday is my "day off", so I can run errands then".

What's a more formal way to say "day off"?

In more formal contexts, you might use "day of leave" or "authorized absence", especially when referring to official company policies or documentation.

Is it correct to say "off day" instead of "day off"?

While "off day" can be used, it typically describes a day when someone is not performing well or feeling well, rather than a scheduled break from work. "Day off" is the standard term for a break from work.

What is the difference between a "day off" and a "holiday"?

A ""day off"" is a general term for any day when someone doesn't work, while a "holiday" refers specifically to a public or religious celebration recognized as a non-working day.