on vacation

Meaning

Not at work or school because you are taking a holiday or resting. It is used to describe someone who is currently away on their annual leave or a trip.

Examples

• Sarah is on vacation this week, so please direct your questions to Mike.

  Sarah is on vacation this week, so please direct your questions to Mike.

• I can't reply to emails right now because I am on vacation in Spain.

  I can't reply to emails right now because I am on vacation in Spain.

• He plans to go on vacation as soon as this project is finished.

  He plans to go on vacation as soon as this project is finished.

• My boss is on vacation, but she still checks her phone for emergencies.

  My boss is on vacation, but she still checks her phone for emergencies.

• Where are you going when you finally go on vacation next month?

  Where are you going when you finally go on vacation next month?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She is in vacation this week.

  ✓ She is on vacation this week.

  The correct preposition to use with 'vacation' to show current status is 'on', not 'in'.

• ✗ I am going to vacation tomorrow.

  ✓ I am going on vacation tomorrow.

  When using 'vacation' as a noun with 'go', you must use the prepositional phrase 'go on vacation'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Our manager is ___ until next Monday, so the assistant is in charge.

  💡 Away from work for a holiday.

  Show answer

  on vacation

• I love being ___ because I can finally sleep in and relax.

  💡 Having time off from work or school.

  Show answer

  on vacation