on holiday

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on holiday" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is taking a break from work or school, often traveling or relaxing during that time. Example: "I will be unavailable for the next two weeks as I am on holiday in Spain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On holiday.

The Economist

She was on holiday.

The Economist

Diana, I'm on holiday".

The New York Times

I'm going on holiday".

BBC

Most are going on holiday.

The Economist

The schools are on holiday".

The New York Times

I don't read on holiday.

Independent

A princess's breast on holiday?

Independent

"We go on holiday together".

Independent

"Recently we went on holiday.

Independent

Kinnear is currently on holiday in Italy.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for an international audience, be mindful that "on holiday" is more common in British English, while "on vacation" is preferred in American English. Choose the phrasing that best resonates with your target audience.

Common error

Avoid using "on holiday" in contexts where American English is dominant, as it might sound unnatural to native speakers. Instead, opt for the more universally accepted "on vacation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on holiday" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate a state of being or an action that occurs during a period of vacation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on holiday" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase, primarily used to indicate that someone is taking a break from work or school, often traveling or relaxing. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely accepted and usable in written English. While more prevalent in British English, understanding its nuances and regional preferences is crucial for effective communication. Alternatives such as "on vacation", "taking a break", and "away on leave" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and context. Ultimately, choosing the most appropriate phrase depends on the intended audience and the specific message you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on vacation

A more common and general alternative, especially in American English.

taking a break

Implies a temporary cessation of work or other activities, not necessarily involving travel.

taking time off

A general expression for being absent from work or other regular duties.

away on leave

Suggests an authorized absence from work, often for a specified period.

having some time off

Suggests a period of rest and relaxation, often from work or studies.

taking a trip

Highlights the travel aspect of being away.

out of office

A formal term indicating unavailability due to being away from work, often used in professional settings.

enjoying a getaway

Emphasizes the recreational and relaxing aspect of the absence.

away for a while

Indicates a temporary absence without specifying the reason.

on sabbatical

Implies a longer period of leave, typically for academic or professional development.

FAQs

What's the difference between "on holiday" and "on vacation"?

While both phrases refer to a period of rest from work or studies, "on holiday" is primarily used in British English, whereas "on vacation" is more common in American English. Choose the appropriate phrase based on your target audience.

How can I use "on holiday" in a sentence?

You can use "on holiday" to indicate that someone is currently taking a break, like in the sentence "She is "on holiday" in Italy this week." Alternatively, you could say someone will be "taking a vacation".

What's a more formal alternative to "on holiday"?

In professional settings, consider using phrases like "out of office" or "away on leave" to indicate unavailability due to being away from work.

Is it correct to say "I'm going on holiday"?

Yes, the phrase "I'm going "on holiday"" is grammatically correct and widely used in British English to indicate that you are planning to take a vacation.