weekend

USAGE SUMMARY

'weekend' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when referring to the two days where people normally do not work or go to school, usually Saturday and Sunday. For example: "I'm looking forward to the weekend; I get to relax and do whatever I please!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Have a good weekend.

The New York Times

Officials from Greece have been locked in talks with creditors over the weekend in an attempt to agree a package of economic reforms.

The Guardian - Business

Cameron will also set out plans to restrict foreigners from access to social housing if they have not been resident in the UK for five years, plans widely trailed over the weekend, as well as making it easier for the NHS to claim back the costs of treating people from overseas.

The Guardian

This weekend we will get an idea of how many other clubs have been inspired to emulate them.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: Museums at Night 2015 – a weekend of nocturnal activities "The idea has always been to get institutions to think about doing something different with their venues and different ways to attract audiences they wouldn't usually reach," said Nick Stockman, the festival campaign manager.

The Guardian

We set out to see if you can get a taste of Tassie's wilderness in relative comfort over the course of a weekend.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

In 2000, when the first of what are now annual June long-weekend commemorations at Myall Creek took place, descendants of victims and killers united in an act of mutual apology and forgiveness.

The Guardian

As part of the UK's largest after-hours cultural festival, more than 500 museums, galleries and heritage sites across the country are turning nocturnal this weekend, inviting the public to experience their collections and history after dark.

The Guardian

At the annual conference of his Traditional Unionist Voice party in Belfast last weekend Allister relished the prospect of taking on a political Goliath that has tramped all over the Northern Ireland landscape since the 1970s.

The Guardian

Goodes has volunteered to be dropped to Sydney's reserves side after just 15 frustrating minutes of game-time as an AFL sub last weekend.

The Guardian - Sport

But, just two days after polling from Lord Ashcroft put Clegg two points behind Labour in the constituency, the visit also marked the beginning of a long Easter weekend of hard canvassing for the Liberal Democrat leader.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weekend" to refer to the period from Friday evening to Sunday evening. For example: "I have plans for the weekend."

Common error

Avoid scheduling professional tasks during the "weekend" unless necessary. Prioritize personal time and relaxation during these days.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "weekend" is as a noun, referring to the period of time from Friday evening to Sunday evening. It can also function as an adjective, describing something related to the weekend, such as "weekend plans". Ludwig provides examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Travel

10%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "weekend" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe the period from Friday evening to Sunday evening. As Ludwig highlights, it functions primarily as a noun but can also be an adjective. The tone is neutral, making it suitable for diverse contexts from news reports to casual conversations. Usage patterns show it's most prevalent in news and media, travel, and sports contexts. For alternatives, consider phrases like "end of the week" or "days off". Remember to prioritize personal time during the "weekend" and avoid confusing it with weekdays.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Saturday and Sunday

Specifically names the two days that constitute the weekend.

end of the week

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the week's conclusion.

days off

Emphasizes the break from regular work or school.

time off

Highlights the availability of free time.

two-day break

Highlights the duration of the break.

leisure time

Underscores the aspect of free, enjoyable activities.

recreational period

Stresses the leisure and relaxation aspect of the time.

weekend getaway

Specifically refers to a short trip taken during the weekend.

holiday break

Specifies a break associated with a holiday.

the sabbath

Emphasizes the traditional holy or sabbath day aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "weekend" in a sentence?

You can use "weekend" to refer to Saturday and Sunday, such as in "I'm looking forward to the weekend" or "What are your plans for the weekend?". You can also use it as an adjective, such as in "weekend getaway" or "weekend activities".

What's the difference between "weekend" and "weekdays"?

"Weekend" refers to the period from Friday evening to Sunday evening, encompassing leisure time, whereas "weekdays" refer to the working days from Monday to Friday.

What can I say instead of "Have a good weekend"?

You can use alternatives like "enjoy your weekend", "have a great weekend", or "have a fantastic weekend".

Is it correct to say "on the weekend" or "at the weekend"?

Both "on the weekend" and "at the weekend" are acceptable, but usage varies by region. "On the weekend" is more common in American English, while "at the weekend" is more common in British English.