vacation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vacation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a period of time spent away from work or school for relaxation or travel. Example: "I am planning to take a vacation to the beach next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can understand that it makes people feel guilty, so it's hard to have fun when maybe you have worked hard for this vacation.

The Guardian

Fans are hoping whatever is causing the young striker to struggle will be fixed with a vacation away from his everyday training exercises.

The Guardian - Sport

He's at a happy place in his career and, besides, he is about to go on vacation.

The Guardian - Film

Go during the summer holidays when humpbacks will be on vacation, too.

The Guardian - Travel

With his round, almost anonymous face, he looks both bland and groomed, like an accountant about to take a vacation, except for the black baseball cap that says 'NYU Film'.

The Guardian - Film

This is a little ski vacation up to BC that Sounders (people of the Sound) are used to taking.

The Guardian - Sport

He also arranged for a written guarantee of a vacation every winter, without being interrupted by his boss.

The New York Times - Sports

"For some, the vacation period will end while they're only halfway there".

The Guardian

Sarah Heil, a daughter of the couple, told WBBM radio in Chicago that her retired parents had been looking forward to their 16-day vacation.

The Guardian

The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates that there are 3.5m fast-food and counter workers in the US, and they earn a median hourly wage of $8.83 – almost $18,400 per year based on a 40-hour work week without vacation.

The Guardian - Business

The two Americans missing in an Italian cruise ship disaster were identified on Monday as a retired couple from Minnesota who had been eagerly looking forward to their European vacation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning your "vacation", consider the activities you enjoy most to ensure a fulfilling experience.

Common error

Avoid using "vacation" when you mean "vocation". "Vacation" refers to leisure time, while "vocation" refers to one's calling or profession.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "vacation" is as a noun, referring to a period of time devoted to rest or pleasure, as seen in Ludwig's examples. It can also function as a verb, meaning to take or spend a vacation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "vacation" is a common and versatile term, primarily used as a noun to denote a period of leisure and rest, as supported by Ludwig. It also functions as a verb, meaning to take a vacation. According to Ludwig, its usage spans from news and media to formal business contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various settings. When writing about taking time off, remember to consider synonyms like "holiday" or "break" to add variety to your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

holiday

A more general term, often used interchangeably, but can also refer to specific festive days.

getaway

Emphasizes escaping from routine and stress.

break

Implies a shorter or less formal period of rest.

time off

A broad term indicating absence from work or other regular activities.

mini-break

A very short vacation, often just a few days.

leave of absence

Suggests a longer, more formal absence, often for specific reasons.

respite

Highlights relief from something difficult or unpleasant.

sabbatical

A longer period of leave, often for academic or professional development.

recreation

Focuses on leisure activities undertaken for enjoyment.

outing

Implies a short trip or excursion.

FAQs

How can I use "vacation" in a sentence?

You can use "vacation" to describe a period of time taken off from work or studies for rest and travel. For instance, "I'm planning a summer vacation to Italy this year."

What's a good alternative to the word "vacation"?

Depending on the context, you can use "holiday", "break", or "time off" as alternatives to "vacation".

Is there a difference between "vacation" and "holiday"?

While often used interchangeably, "vacation" typically refers to a longer period of time taken for leisure, whereas "holiday" can also refer to specific festive days or public holidays.

What does it mean to "vacation" somewhere?

To "vacation" somewhere means to spend your "holiday" or time off in a particular place, often for leisure and relaxation. For example, "We plan to vacation in Hawaii next year."