go on vacation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go on vacation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to taking a break from work or school in order to rest and relax. Example: After a long semester of studying and exams, I'm ready to go on vacation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or go on vacation.

The New York Times

Don't ever go on vacation.

The New Yorker

I go on vacation.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's before people go on vacation.

The New York Times - Sports

I can't go on vacation anymore".

The New York Times

I wanted to go on vacation.

The New York Times

Step 1: Go on vacation.

Harvard Business Review

People still go on vacation".

The New York Times

We didn't go on vacation.

The New York Times

"Egos, they go on vacation".

The Guardian

I'd go on vacation every two weeks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates who is "going on vacation" and the purpose or destination, if relevant. For example, "After years of hard work, they decided to "go on vacation" to Italy".

Common error

Avoid confusing "vacation" (a period of rest) with "vocation" (a calling or occupation). Using one in place of the other will confuse your reader. Ensure that your sentence maintains its intended meaning by using the appropriate term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go on vacation" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of taking a break from routine life for leisure. Ludwig's examples show its usage in various contexts, from personal decisions to broader societal trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go on vacation" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of taking a break for leisure. As indicated by Ludwig, the expression appears frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, suggesting its broad applicability. While generally neutral in register, the best practice is to ensure clarity regarding who is taking the vacation and the intended destination or purpose. Related phrases, such as "take a vacation" or "go on holiday", offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis or regional preference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a vacation

Emphasizes the act of choosing and embarking on a vacation.

go on holiday

A more British English alternative to "go on vacation".

take some time off

Focuses on the act of taking a break from work or responsibilities.

embark on a trip

Highlights the beginning of a journey or travel experience.

escape on a getaway

Suggests a brief and often spontaneous vacation.

enjoy a respite

Implies a period of rest and relief from stress or exertion.

absent oneself for recreation

A formal and somewhat archaic way of expressing taking time off for leisure.

take a sabbatical

Refers to a longer period of leave, often for study or travel.

go touring

Specifies travel with the intention of visiting multiple places.

go on a jaunt

Suggests a short, quick, and enjoyable trip.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "go on vacation" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "take a leave" or "embark on a trip" instead of "go on vacation".

What are some common destinations people "go on vacation" to?

Common vacation destinations include tropical beaches, historical sites, and bustling cities, depending on individual preferences.

Is it correct to say "went on vacation" instead of "go on vacation"?

Yes, "went on vacation" is the past tense form of "go on vacation" and is perfectly correct when referring to a vacation that has already occurred. For example, "We "went on vacation" to Hawaii last year".

What is the difference between "go on vacation" and "go on holiday"?

"Go on vacation" is more commonly used in American English, while "go on holiday" is preferred in British English. Both phrases have the same meaning.