over the holidays

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "over the holidays" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to the holiday period in any given year, usually weeks or months in between two major holidays. For example, "My family and I had a great time spending quality time together over the holidays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Specter visited the war-torn region over the holidays.

The New York Times

Bush Cabinet members conferred regularly over the holidays.

The New Yorker

Wasn't that a commercial on TV over the holidays?

The New Yorker

Students packed the streets of the city over the holidays.

The New York Times - Style

Carolyn G. Pohlman also used the locks over the holidays.

The New York Times

But instead he proposed over the holidays, and she accepted.

The New York Times - Books

He supposedly read Lou Cannon's Reagan biography over the holidays.

The New Yorker

Over the holidays, K. received a text message from Brandenn.

The New Yorker

Maybe you received new equipment over the holidays.

The New York Times - Sports

Don't expect to see deals over the holidays, though.

The New York Times

What's the worst thing about working over the holidays?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about events that occurred during a specific holiday period, use "over the holidays" to clearly indicate that time frame. For example, "We traveled extensively over the holidays last year."

Common error

Ensure clarity by specifying which holidays you are referring to when using the phrase "over the holidays". If the context doesn't make it obvious, specify if you mean the winter holidays, summer holidays, or another specific period to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over the holidays" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the time during which an action occurs. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "over the holidays" is a grammatically sound and very common way to describe events that occur during a holiday period. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly used in news and media contexts, this phrase serves to specify timing and provide context. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying the specific holidays you're referencing if there is any chance of ambiguity. For alternative phrasings, consider options like "during the holiday season" or "around the holidays".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the holiday season

This alternative is very similar, emphasizing the entire season rather than specific holidays.

throughout the holiday period

Focuses on the duration of the holidays, suggesting something that extends from beginning to end.

during the festive season

Highlights the celebratory aspect of the holidays.

around the holidays

Less precise, indicating a time near but not necessarily within the holiday period.

in the Christmas season

More specific, referring only to the Christmas holidays.

while celebrating the holidays

Emphasizes the act of celebrating, rather than the time period itself.

during the seasonal break

Similar to "in the vacation period", emphasizing a pause in regular activities.

in the vacation period

Focuses on the time off work or school that often accompanies the holidays.

during the break

A shorter phrase that focuses on the vacation period.

during the yuletide

A more traditional or archaic term for the Christmas season.

FAQs

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

Use "over the holidays" to indicate a period of time encompassing one or more holidays. For example, "I plan to visit my family "over the holidays" this year", or "Many stores offer special sales "over the holidays".

What's a good alternative to "over the holidays"?

Alternatives include "during the holiday season", "throughout the holiday period", or "around the holidays". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "during the holidays" or "over the holidays"?

Both "during the holidays" and "over the holidays" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice often depends on personal preference, although "over the holidays" might slightly emphasize a period extending across multiple days.

How do I specify which holidays I'm referring to when I say "over the holidays"?

If the context doesn't provide enough information, be explicit by saying "over the Christmas holidays", "over the summer holidays", or similar phrases to avoid ambiguity.