especially on holidays

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "especially on holidays" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a particular situation or behavior that occurs more frequently during holiday times. Example: "People tend to spend more time with family, especially on holidays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Especially on holidays, people shouldn't have only one napkin.

The New York Times - Tech

"But I'm not satisfied that we will not be stampeded by cars, especially on holidays".

The New York Times

Sri Lankans visit these ruins in families or bus groups, especially on holidays.

The New York Times - Travel

But when it comes to serving, especially on holidays like Thanksgiving, she goes for something different: a carving set that doesn't need to be "anything but ceremonial".

The New York Times

Almost all of them were ones, although to some he would offer larger notes, five-dollar bills, or occasionally even hundreds, especially on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The New York Times

Stemmed goblets appeared, to be filled with an all-purpose (fish, chicken, meat) kosher wine, Mogen David, a sweet Concord red, especially on holidays.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

She used to read the odd thriller, especially on holiday.

The Guardian

In summer, the place is packed, especially on holiday weekends.

The New York Times

Professional photographers hate taking pictures of their own family, especially on holiday.

The Guardian - Travel

Taking food out of the equation altogether, especially on holiday was more strange than dreadful.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"If you have to hire a car it becomes a massive barrier," especially on holiday weekends when rental rates soar.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "especially on holidays" to highlight activities, trends, or situations that are more pronounced or specific during holiday periods. It can add emphasis and clarity to your writing by pinpointing these temporal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "especially on holidays" when the statement applies equally well to other times of the year. Ensure the emphasis on holidays is genuinely relevant and not a mere assumption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "especially on holidays" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something is particularly applicable or prominent. As noted by Ludwig, it highlights the importance or increased likelihood of something occurring during holiday periods.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "especially on holidays" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to emphasize the increased occurrence or relevance of something during holiday periods. According to Ludwig, it is acceptable and commonly used in various contexts, although it is important to ensure that the emphasis on holidays is genuinely relevant. While alternatives like "particularly during holidays" and "notably on holidays" exist, the original phrase remains a clear and effective choice. Its neutral register and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian affirm its credibility and usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particularly during holidays

Replaces "especially" with "particularly", keeping the focus on holiday periods.

notably on holidays

Substitutes "especially" with "notably", highlighting the prominence of holidays.

especially during the holiday season

Expands "holidays" to "holiday season" for a more specific timeframe.

more so on holidays

Uses "more so" to convey the increased relevance during holidays.

particularly at holiday times

Rephrases to emphasize "holiday times" instead of just "holidays".

specifically on holidays

Replaces "especially" with "specifically" for added precision.

primarily on holidays

Shifts focus to indicate that holidays are the main time of occurrence.

mainly on holidays

Similar to "primarily", suggesting that holidays are the principal occasion.

particularly when it's a holiday

Adds a conditional clause to emphasize the holiday context.

especially when celebrating holidays

Focuses on the act of celebrating holidays as the key factor.

FAQs

What does "especially on holidays" mean?

The phrase "especially on holidays" means something is more likely to occur or is more noticeable during holidays compared to other times of the year.

How can I use "especially on holidays" in a sentence?

You can use "especially on holidays" to emphasize activities or trends that are amplified during holidays. For example: "Shops are crowded, "especially on holidays"." Avoid overusing it.

What can I say instead of "especially on holidays"?

You can use alternatives like "particularly during holidays", "notably on holidays", or "specifically on holidays" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "especially during holidays" instead of "especially on holidays"?

Both "especially on holidays" and "especially during holidays" are grammatically correct and acceptable. The choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. "On holidays" tends to refer to specific days, while "during holidays" refers to the holiday period.