taking a day off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking a day off" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to take a break or have a day of leisure. Example: I'm feeling exhausted, so I'm thinking of taking a day off from work tomorrow.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm taking a day off," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm taking a day off from work, and we are planning to go out to lunch.

The New Yorker

"I don't know of anyone taking a day off," said Mr. Davitt, of Credit Suisse.

The New York Times

Taking a day off before and after the vacation can also help cut the stress, Gilborn added.

The Washington Post

Next time you're taking a day off, warn her in advance that you'll be away from email.

The New York Times

Taking a day off means having a replacement nurse, one who might step into the regular role.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For those taking a day off from the slopes, the outlet center of Manchester Center is just 30 miles away.

The New York Times - Travel

"The people running the site thought people had been working so hard it was worth taking a day off".

The New York Times

David Baddiel said comedy is your conscience taking a day off and I thought that was a great quote".

The Guardian

De La Hoya was taking a day off from sparring after going more than 100 rounds before this session.

The New York Times - Sports

And with stress, anxiety and depression being the most common reasons for taking a day off, employers certainly have an incentive to provide support.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing work schedules or employee benefits, using the phrase "taking a day off" is clear and universally understood. It avoids ambiguity and is appropriate for both formal and informal communication.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "taking a day off" always implies leisure. People take days off for various reasons, including illness, personal appointments, or family emergencies. Be mindful of privacy and avoid making assumptions about their activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking a day off" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of taking a break from regular activities, typically work or school. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taking a day off" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a temporary absence from regular duties, most frequently from work. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in news and media, formal business contexts, and even in wiki-based content. It serves primarily as a noun phrase, communicating the purpose of rest or personal time. While its register is generally neutral, awareness of context is essential to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives include "taking time off" or "having a day off", depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking time off

Broader term implying any duration of absence from regular duties, not necessarily a single day.

having a day off

Simple rephrasing using "having" instead of "taking", with a similar meaning and level of formality.

taking a break

Implies a shorter period of rest and may not involve a full day of absence.

taking a personal day

Indicates absence from work for personal reasons, not necessarily due to illness or vacation.

taking a vacation day

More formal, indicating a scheduled absence from work using accrued vacation time.

taking leave

Suggests a longer, more formal period of absence from work, often for specific reasons.

being on leave

Indicates an ongoing period of authorized absence from work or duty.

skipping work

Implies an unscheduled and possibly unauthorized absence from work.

calling in sick

Specifically refers to notifying an employer of absence due to illness.

enjoying a day of leisure

Focuses on the positive aspect of rest and relaxation, moving away from the work context.

FAQs

How can I use "taking a day off" in a sentence?

You can use "taking a day off" to describe someone's absence from work or other regular activities. For example, "I'm exhausted and considering "taking a day off" tomorrow" or "She is "taking a day off" to attend a family event".

What are some alternatives to "taking a day off"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "taking time off", "having a day off", or "taking a break".

Is it grammatically correct to say "taking a day off"?

Yes, "taking a day off" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It functions as a gerund phrase in many sentence structures.

What's the difference between "taking a day off" and "skipping work"?

"Taking a day off" usually implies a planned or authorized absence, while "skipping work" suggests an unscheduled and potentially unauthorized absence.