have time off

Meaning

This phrase means to have a period of free time when you do not have to work or attend school. It can refer to official vacation days, public holidays, or personal leave. It is highly common in both casual and professional settings.

Examples

• Do you have any time off during the summer?

  Do you have any time off during the summer?

• I'm so glad I have some time off next week to relax.

  I'm so glad I have some time off next week to relax.

• She has three weeks of time off every year.

  She has three weeks of time off every year.

• I don't have much time off, so I usually just stay home.

  I don't have much time off, so I usually just stay home.

• If you have some time off, we should definitely go hiking.

  If you have some time off, we should definitely go hiking.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I have a free time next week.

  ✓ I have some time off next week.

  'Free time' usually refers to spare hours within a regular day. 'Time off' specifically refers to whole days away from work or school. Also, 'free time' is uncountable and does not take the article 'a'.

• ✗ She has a time off from her job.

  ✓ She has some time off from her job.

  'Time off' is uncountable, so you cannot use the indefinite article 'a' with it. Use 'some' or no article at all.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I'm planning to travel to Italy if I can ___ next month.

  💡 Get free days away from work.

  Show answer

  have time off

• It is always nice to ___ during the winter holidays.

  💡 Enjoy a break from your job or studies.

  Show answer

  have time off