holidays are over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "holidays are over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the end of a holiday period, often in a context related to returning to work or school. Example: "After a long break, it's time to face reality; the holidays are over, and we need to get back to our routines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The holidays are over, but the shopping boycotts aren't.

The Guardian

But the holidays are over and March Madness is in full bloom.

The New York Times

THE holidays are over, but that doesn't mean January isn't a fine time to plot celebrations.

The New York Times

The holidays are over: the president faces difficult times ahead, and so does the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now that the holidays are over, the Galluccis have plans for their Christmas tree.

The New York Times

The holidays are over, which means it's time for the annual rush of returns.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Before the holidays were over, her name had surfaced in a question on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire".

The New York Times - Sports

In recent years there have been various European failings before the summer holidays were over by Aberdeen, St Johnstone and Heart of Midlothian.

The Guardian - Sport

And now that the glow and rush of the holidays is over, people are less inclined to be charitable about any flaws.

Forbes

Once the holidays were over, she returned to her apartment to binge and purge.

Huffington Post

Then when the holidays were over, we threw them out with the Christmas tree and began debating whether we ought to arrest them or ship them to Miami.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "holidays are over" to signal a return to routine activities, such as work or school, after a break.

Common error

Avoid using "holidays are over" when referring to a single day off or a short break. This phrase typically applies to extended periods of vacation or celebration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holidays are over" functions as an declarative statement indicating the termination of a holiday period. Ludwig's examples show it's used to signal a return to regular activities and responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "holidays are over" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the end of a vacation period and a return to normal routines. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase frequently appears in news and media contexts, signaling a shift in focus back to work or other responsibilities. While highly common, be mindful of using it appropriately, avoiding its application to single-day breaks. Consider alternatives like "the festive season has ended" or "vacation time is finished" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The holidays have concluded

A more formal way to express that the holidays have ended.

Holiday period concluded

Emphasizes the completion of a specific holiday timeframe.

Vacation time is finished

Focuses on the end of personal vacation or leave.

The festive season has ended

Highlights the termination of a period of celebration and festivities.

The break is done

A more informal way to express the end of a holiday break.

Festivities are complete

Highlights that all celebratory activities have finished.

The recess is complete

Suitable for academic or formal breaks.

Leisure time is up

Indicates that time dedicated to leisure activities has come to an end.

The respite has passed

Suggests that a period of rest or relief is now over.

Back to reality

An idiomatic phrase indicating a return to normal life after a period of leisure or celebration.

FAQs

How can I use "holidays are over" in a sentence?

You can use "holidays are over" to indicate the end of a vacation period and a return to normal activities. For example: "Now that the "holidays are over", it's time to focus on work."

What can I say instead of "holidays are over"?

Alternatives include "vacation time is finished", "the festive season has ended", or "back to reality" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the holiday is over" instead of "holidays are over"?

Yes, "the holiday is over" is correct when referring to a single holiday. "Holidays are over" refers to a period encompassing multiple holidays or a general vacation time.

What is the implication of saying "holidays are over"?

Saying "holidays are over" often implies a return to routine, responsibilities, and the end of leisure or celebratory activities.