"on holiday" vs "on holidays"

Question

"on holiday" vs "on holidays"

Both 'on holidays' and 'on holiday' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'On holidays' is used in British English to refer to a period of time when someone is not working, while 'on holiday' is used in American English to refer to a specific vacation or trip.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

In American English, 'on holiday' is used to refer to a specific vacation or trip that someone is taking.

Examples:

I will be on holiday in Europe next month.
She is on holiday in Hawaii.
We are planning to go on holiday to the beach.
He always takes a break from work when he is on holiday.
What did you do on holiday?

Alternatives:

on vacation
on a trip
taking a break
on a getaway
on a journey

In British English, 'on holidays' is used to indicate a period of time when someone is not working, such as during a school break or vacation.

Examples:

I will be on holidays next week.
She enjoys spending time with her family on holidays.
We usually go on holidays in the summer.
What are your plans for the holidays?
He always looks forward to being on holidays.

Alternatives:

on vacation
on leave
on a break
taking time off
on a holiday

Answer 1

on holiday

This phrase is correct in American English to refer to a specific vacation or trip.

Answer 2

on holidays

This phrase is correct in British English to refer to a period of time when someone is not working.

"on holiday" vs "on holidays"

on holiday

on holidays

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