on the weekend

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the weekend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it at any time to refer to the period of time which usually includes both Saturday and Sunday. For example: I spend my Saturdays on the weekend reading and going for walks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I worked one day on the weekend.

The New York Times

"You should come back on the weekend".

The New York Times

"On the weekend, sometimes it is slow.

The Economist

On the weekend, too," Mr. Hamilton said.

The New York Times

I went back on the weekend.

The New York Times

On the weekend, we visit the cemetery.

The New Yorker

And anything can happen on the weekend".

The New York Times

On the weekend?

The New York Times

On the weekend, Atlanta awakened.

The New York Times - Sports

So bring on the weekend!

The Guardian - Sport

Are you happier on the weekend?

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the weekend" to specify activities or events that occur during the weekend period. For example, "I enjoy hiking on the weekend."

Common error

Be mindful of regional variations. While "on the weekend" is common in American English, "at the weekend" is more prevalent in British English. Use the appropriate form based on your target audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the weekend" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying the time an action occurs. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound. For instance, "I like to cook on the weekend" indicates when the cooking takes place.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the weekend" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to specify when an activity occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for a range of communication styles. While alternatives like "during the weekend" or "at the weekend" (British English) exist, understanding the subtle differences ensures clear and effective communication. To avoid errors, remember regional variations and tailor your language to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the weekend

Replaces the preposition "on" with "during", emphasizing the time span of the weekend.

over the weekend

Indicates an action or event that spans the entire weekend period.

at the weekend

A more common variant in British English.

each weekend

Refers to something that happens repeatedly every weekend.

throughout the weekend

Implies an activity that continues from the beginning to the end of the weekend.

this weekend

Refers to the upcoming or current weekend.

that weekend

Points to a specific weekend previously mentioned or understood.

on Saturdays and Sundays

More explicit way of referring to the weekend.

during my days off

A broader term referring to days free from work or school.

in my free time

A general term referring to leisure time, not specifically the weekend.

FAQs

How can I use "on the weekend" in a sentence?

You can use "on the weekend" to describe when an activity takes place, such as, "I like to relax "on the weekend"" or "She often visits her family "on the weekend"".

What's the difference between "on the weekend" and "during the weekend"?

While both phrases are similar, "on the weekend" is more specific to the days themselves, whereas "during the weekend" emphasizes the entire period. They are often interchangeable, but the subtle nuance can affect the sentence's flow.

Is it correct to say "at the weekend" instead of "on the weekend"?

Yes, "at the weekend" is commonly used in British English, while "on the weekend" is more prevalent in American English. Both are grammatically correct within their respective regional contexts.

Are there any formal alternatives to "on the weekend"?

While "on the weekend" is generally acceptable, you might use "during the weekend period" in more formal writing to sound more professional.