take a holiday

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a holiday" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to suggest taking a leave of absence, usually for leisure purposes. For example, "I think it's time for me to take a holiday and visit my family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But why take a holiday from argument?

The New York Times

So does Lepage ever take a holiday?

The Guardian - Music

May the noxious air take a holiday.

The New York Times - Sports

The job will take a holiday soon.

The New York Times - Sports

Or Coast could take a holiday.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But death did not then take a holiday.

The New York Times

Q: Can my child take a holiday in term time?

Independent

Kimberley [Walsh] deserves to take a holiday – she's a workaholic!

The Guardian - Music

"Death did not take a holiday otherwise," Dr. Hirsch said.

The New York Times

She is planning to take a holiday in the Gambia.

The Guardian - Travel

"The oncologist has told them, 'It's time to take a holiday from chemo,'" she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a holiday" when referring to a planned period of rest and recreation, especially in British English contexts. In other english context, it is appropriate to use "take a vacation".

Common error

Be sure to differentiate "take a holiday", meaning to take time off, from "holy day", referring to a religious observance. Using them interchangeably can cause confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a holiday" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of taking time off from work or regular duties for leisure, rest, or travel. Ludwig provides examples from diverse sources confirming its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Lifestyle

20%

Travel

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take a holiday" is a common and grammatically correct way to express taking time off for leisure. While more prevalent in British English, it's understood globally. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Remember to differentiate it from "holy day" to avoid confusion. For American English contexts, consider using the synonym "take a vacation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go on vacation

Focuses specifically on a vacation, often implying a longer period of leisure.

take a vacation

A direct synonym, often used in American English.

take some time off

Emphasizes a break from work or other obligations, without necessarily implying travel.

go for a break

Suggests a shorter period of rest or respite.

have a respite

Implies a temporary period of relief from something difficult or unpleasant.

enjoy a getaway

Highlights the act of escaping from routine or stress.

absent oneself

A more formal way of saying to take leave, often from a workplace or duty.

take a sabbatical

Refers to a longer period of leave, often for academic or professional development.

take furlough

Refers to a temporary lay off.

go on paid leave

Highlights the continuation of salary during the period of absence.

FAQs

What does "take a holiday" mean?

To "take a holiday" means to take a period of time off from work or other regular activities for rest, travel, or recreation. It's commonly used in British English.

What can I say instead of "take a holiday"?

You can use alternatives like "take a vacation", "go on vacation", or "take some time off" depending on the context.

Is it more common to say "take a holiday" or "take a vacation"?

"Take a holiday" is more common in British English, while "take a vacation" is more common in American English. Both are grammatically correct, but their usage varies by region.

When is it appropriate to use "take a holiday"?

It's appropriate to use "take a holiday" when you are referring to taking time off for leisure, especially in contexts where British English is commonly used. Consider "take some time off" if you're unsure.