Do We Say on Vacation or in Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

Going on vacation is always a time for excitement and relaxation. However, when it comes to grammar, there is often confusion about whether to use “on vacation” or “in vacation”.

So, which one is correct? Let’s take a closer look at both expressions and see when they should be used.

The difference between “on vacation” and “in vacation”

The main difference between these two expressions is the preposition used. “On vacation” uses the preposition “on”, while “in vacation” uses the preposition “in”.

  • “On vacation” implies that you are taking a break or holiday from work or your daily routine. It suggests that you are away from your usual activities and responsibilities.
  • “In vacation” does not have the same meaning as “on vacation”. It is not commonly used in English speaking countries.

Examples of using “on vacation”

Here are some examples of how to use “on vacation” in different contexts:

  • I’m going on vacation next week.
  • We’re planning to spend two weeks on vacation in Hawaii.
  • She’s taking a break from work and going on vacation.

Using other prepositions with “vacation”

Apart from using the preposition ‘on’ with ‘vacation’, there are other prepositions that can be used with ‘vacation’ depending on the context.

  • In: We use ‘in’ when we refer to an activity that we engage in during our time off work or studies. For example: I’m reading a book in vacation.
  • At: We use ‘at’ when we refer to a specific location where we spend our time off.

    For example: We are spending our time at the beach at the moment.

  • During: We use ‘during’ when referring to an event that takes place during our vacation. For example: I met him during my summer vacation in Italy.

In conclusion,

“In vacation” is not commonly used in English speaking countries, so it is best to avoid using it altogether. “On vacation” is the correct expression to use when referring to taking a break from work or your daily routine. Remember that there are other prepositions such as ‘in’, ‘at’, and ‘during’ that can be used with ‘vacation’ depending on the context.

Now that you know the difference, you’re ready to plan your next trip and talk about it correctly!