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Prepositions with nouns

Using prepositions with 'vacation'

'On vacation' is the standard expression for being away from work or school. Other combinations have different meanings or are uncommon.

Quick answer

The standard expression

Use 'on vacation' to mean taking time off. 'For vacation' means for the purpose of a vacation or during a vacation period. 'Of vacation' is uncommon and usually appears only in longer noun phrases.

She is on vacation this week.
They travelled to Italy for vacation last summer.
The idea of vacation days varies by country.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
on vacation

Away from work or school

This is the normal expression for taking holiday time.

Our manager is on vacation until Monday.
I met her while she was on vacation in Spain.
2
for vacation

Purpose or travel reason

Use 'for vacation' when describing why someone travels or uses time.

They went abroad for vacation in July.
We rented a house for vacation near the beach.
3
of vacation + noun

Part of a larger noun phrase

'Of vacation' is not a common fixed expression, but it can appear inside longer phrases.

The concept of vacation time has changed.
The length of vacation leave depends on the contract.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
on vacation
She is on vacation this month.
standard expression for taking time off
for vacation
They visited Greece for vacation.
shows purpose or reason for travel
of vacation
The meaning of vacation differs across cultures.
used inside larger noun phrases, not as a fixed expression
vacation in
We vacation in Canada every summer.
verb pattern with location
vacation from
He needs a vacation from work.
shows what someone is taking a break from

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using 'in vacation' for time off

English uses 'on vacation', not 'in vacation'.

✕ She is in vacation. ✓ She is on vacation.

Using 'of vacation' as a standalone phrase

This combination usually needs a larger noun phrase.

✕ We talked of vacation. ✓ We talked about vacation.

Confusing purpose and state

Use 'on vacation' for status and 'for vacation' for purpose.

✕ He is for vacation. ✓ He is on vacation.

Forgetting articles where needed

Countable uses of 'vacation' may need an article.

✓ We planned a vacation for August.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. My parents are ___ vacation this week.
2. They travelled to Bali ___ vacation.
3. The idea ___ vacation time has changed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is 'on vacation' American English?

Yes, and it is widely understood internationally. British English also commonly uses 'on holiday'.

Can I say 'for vacation'?

Yes. It usually means for the purpose of a vacation or holiday trip.

Is 'of vacation' common?

No. It normally appears only as part of a larger phrase such as 'the idea of vacation time'.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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