fast day

USAGE SUMMARY

"fast day" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a day on which people are encouraged to fast or abstain from certain foods or other activities. For example, "Tomorrow is church's fast day, so I won't be eating meat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Traditionally, the fast day has been considered the most solemn of the Jewish holy days, a time which God determines whether one will live or die in the coming year.

Huffington Post

It is, as the Talmud explains, one of the two happiest days of the year and the only instance of a fast day being joyous.

Huffington Post

How about a really fast day?

The New York Times - Sports

But on a fast day, if I take fruit and yoghurt, I would only spend £1".

The Guardian - Money

My girlfriend would be on a fast day, and Gousto meals are all for two.

The Guardian - Tech

Today, scores of settlers swayed there in prayer on a religious fast day that carried added significance for them.

The New York Times

She hadn't eaten for the past twenty-four hours, in observance of the Jewish fast day known as Tishah B'Av.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

When Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, his official proclamation might have doubled as a fast-day sermon.

The New York Times

During the appointed fast-day on Thursday, 19 January 1637, Wheelwright preached at the Boston church in the afternoon.

Wikipedia

Bread, eggs, pasta, and granola are some good suggestions for nutritious and filling pre-fast day foods.

WikiHow

September 18th was the fast-day of Yom Kippur (observed by 69% of Israeli Jews, according to the same official statistics) and it ended an hour earlier thanks to the premature start of winter.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing specific religious observances, clarify the traditions and rules associated with the "fast day" to provide context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "fast day" interchangeably with general terms like "diet" or "cleanse". A "fast day" typically implies a religious or intentional restriction, whereas other terms might refer to broader lifestyle choices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fast day" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it referring to specific days of religious observance or dietary restriction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fast day" is a common noun phrase referring to a day designated for fasting or abstinence. As shown by Ludwig, it's frequently used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, demonstrating its broad applicability. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable. Related phrases like "day of fasting" or "day of abstinence" can provide alternative ways to express the same concept. When using "fast day", it's important to provide context regarding specific religious or cultural traditions, and to avoid confusing it with broader dietary terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

day of fasting

Replaces 'fast' with 'fasting' to emphasize the action.

day of abstinence

Substitutes 'fast' with 'abstinence' to highlight refraining from certain foods or activities.

religious fast

Adds 'religious' to specify the type of fast, indicating a spiritual observance.

penitential day

Uses 'penitential' to convey a sense of repentance or atonement associated with the fast.

day of atonement

Replaces 'fast' with 'atonement,' linking the day to seeking forgiveness.

day of spiritual discipline

Emphasizes the self-control and religious focus inherent in fasting.

day of reflection and fasting

Highlights the contemplative aspect often associated with fasting.

day of limited consumption

Focuses on the restriction of food intake during the day.

day of reduced caloric intake

Specifically refers to lowering the number of calories consumed.

day without food

Directly states the absence of food consumption.

FAQs

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

You might say, "Many religions observe a designated "fast day" for spiritual reflection and discipline".

What is the general purpose of observing a "fast day"?

A "fast day" is typically observed for religious reasons, personal discipline, or health-related goals, involving abstaining from food or certain types of food for a specific period.

Which religions commonly practice "fast day" observances?

Judaism, Islam, and Christianity are among the religions that have traditions of observing a "fast day".

What can I say instead of "fast day"?

You can use alternatives like "day of fasting", "day of abstinence", or "penitential day", depending on the context.