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Commonly Confused Words
On vacation/In vacation
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On vacation vs. In vacation
On vacation
/ɒn vəˈkeɪʃən/
A period of time when someone is not at work or school, typically used for travel or relaxation
Examples:
Synonyms:
holiday
leave
Antonyms:
working
busy
In vacation
/ɪn veɪˈkeɪʃən/
A phrase meaning to be away from work and other daily responsibilities, usually for rest or travel.
Examples:
Synonyms:
away
off-duty
Antonyms:
working
Ways to tell them apart:
On vacation
is the correct usage in American English and usually indicates that someone is taking a break from work or school.
In vacation
is generally incorrect in standard English usage, though it might be used informally or regionally in some areas.
Remember that you put a hat
on
your head just like you go
on
vacation.
Think of
on vacation
as being
on leave
from normal duties.
On vacation
suggests a temporary change of status, similar to being
on duty
or
on call
.
When to use on vacation:
When to use in vacation:
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