In British English, the plural “holidays” is often used for the “long holiday” we have every year, otherwise, we normally use holiday (singular). Compare:
- We’re going to Rome for our summer holiday(s).
- We normally get five days’ Christmas holiday every year.
- Next Friday is a public holiday.
However, we always say “to be ON holiday” (singular).
- Graham is not here because he’s on holiday in Norway.
(NOT…on/in holidays…)
In American English, we use the word “vacation”. In British English, “vacation” is used for periods when universities are not teaching, whereas “holiday” is used by Americans for a day of publicly observed celebration, such a Thanksgiving, when people do not have to go to work.
Leave a Reply