Are you confused about whether to use “on vacation” or “in vacation” when referring to your time away from work or school? You’re not alone.
This is a common grammar question that can be tricky to answer. Let’s dive into the details and clear up any confusion.
What is the Correct Preposition?
The correct preposition to use when talking about taking time off from work or school is “on vacation.” This is because vacation is considered an event or activity, rather than a physical location.
For example, you would say:
- “I am going on vacation next week.”
- “I went on vacation to Hawaii last year.”
Using “in vacation” would be incorrect and might sound awkward.
Other Examples of Using “On” with Vacation
Here are some more examples of using “on” with vacation:
- “She enjoys going on vacations with her family.”
- “He spent his entire summer on a European vacation.”
As you can see, the phrase “on vacation” can be used in various contexts without any issues.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the general rule is to use “on vacation,” there are some exceptions where you may use “in.” For instance, if you are referring to someone who has gone missing during their holiday, you might say:
- “We haven’t heard from him in weeks. He went missing while he was in Hawaii on vacation.”
In this case, we’re using “in Hawaii” as a reference point for where the person was when they went missing.
Another exception is when someone stays at a specific location for their entire break. In this case, it’s acceptable to use both prepositions interchangeably. For example:
- “I spent my summer in a beach house.”
- “I spent my summer on a beach vacation.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct preposition to use with vacation is “on.” However, there are exceptions where “in” may be used instead. Remember that vacation is an event or activity and not a physical location, so using “on” makes more sense.
Now that you know the correct way to use these prepositions, you can confidently talk about your upcoming vacations or past vacations with ease. Happy travels!