on vacation

USAGE SUMMARY

'on vacation' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a period away from one's usual workplace or place of residence that one spends for recreation, rest, or pleasure. For example: My family and I are going on vacation to Florida next month.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm on vacation".

The New York Times

House is on vacation.

The New York Times

We were on vacation.

The New York Times

He is on vacation.

The New Yorker

We're on vacation".

The New Yorker

I've been on vacation.

The New York Times

I'm on vacation, Freddy".

The New Yorker

Or go on vacation.

The New York Times

Oh, you're on vacation?

The New York Times

"When we're not on vacation.

The New Yorker

"Like they were on vacation".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on vacation" to clearly indicate a period of rest and recreation away from usual duties. For clarity, specify the location or activity if relevant, such as "on vacation in Italy" or "on a relaxing vacation".

Common error

Avoid using "on vacation" when referring to short breaks or personal errands. "On vacation" implies a more extended period dedicated to leisure. Use phrases like "taking a break" or "out for a bit" for shorter absences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on vacation" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. As Ludwig AI explains and as the examples show, it typically describes a state of being or an action related to being absent from one's usual routine for leisure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on vacation" is a very common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a state of being away from one's usual routine for rest and recreation. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media, it is also present in academia and formal business contexts. To ensure clarity, specify the location or type of vacation when relevant. While interchangeable with "on holiday", be mindful of the geographical preference for each term. Alternatives like ""taking a break"" or "taking time off" offer nuanced variations for similar situations. When writing, avoid using "on vacation" for brief absences and ensure the context aligns with a leisure-focused period.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

away on holiday

Replaces "vacation" with "holiday", a term more common in British English.

taking a break

Focuses on the act of resting, rather than the location or purpose.

enjoying a getaway

Highlights the pleasurable aspect of escaping from daily life.

having some time off

Emphasizes the temporary cessation of work or regular activities.

taking a trip

Focuses on the act of travel, rather than the purpose of relaxation.

taking leave

Implies a formal authorization for absence, often from work.

out of office

Specifically refers to absence from a professional workplace.

in respite

Implies a need for relief from stress or hardship.

on a sabbatical

Suggests a longer period of leave, often for professional or academic pursuits.

on furlough

Refers to a temporary layoff from work, often due to economic conditions.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "on vacation"?

Being "on vacation" means taking a period of time away from work or studies for rest, relaxation, or travel. It's a break from one's usual routine to recharge.

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

The phrases "on vacation" and "on holiday" are essentially interchangeable, but "on vacation" is more commonly used in American English, while "on holiday" is prevalent in British English.

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

You can use "on vacation" to describe someone's current state (e.g., "She is on vacation in Hawaii") or to indicate a future plan (e.g., "We are going on vacation next month").

What are some alternatives to saying "I'm going on vacation"?

Alternatives include "I'm "taking a break"", "I'm "taking some time off"", or "I'm "going on a trip" depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.