[Grammar] What does it mean 'on holiday'?

[Heidi]

Dear friends,

I have two questions.

#1 What is the difference between "last year Nick and his parents flew to Greece on holiday" and "they flew to Greece for a holiday"?

#2 "Tom's been on holiday. He's got a suntan." Does it suggest that he is not on holiday at the moment?

Thank you!

 

[bhaisahab]

Dear friends,

I have two questions.

#1 What is the difference between "last year Nick and his parents flew to Greece on holiday" and "they flew to Greece for a holiday"? No difference of meaning.

#2 "Tom's been on holiday. He's got a suntan." Does it suggest that he is not on holiday at the moment? Yes, it does.

Thank you!

.

 

[Heidi]

Thank you, bhaisahab, I have two more questions.

#1 "last year Nick and his parents flew to Greece on holiday", can we explain it as 'they flew to Greece during their holiday'?

#2 "last year Nick and his parents flew to Greece on holiday" and "they flew to Greece for their holiday", are they both natural way to say? not old-fashion?

Thank you!

 

[Munch]

Thank you, bhaisahab, I have two more questions.

#1 "last year Nick and his parents flew to Greece on holiday", can we explain it as 'they flew to Greece during their holiday'?

Yes you could, but the "on holiday" part really tells you why they flew there. Compare it with "flew to Greece for/on business."

#2 "last year Nick and his parents flew to Greece on holiday" and "they flew to Greece for their holiday", are they both natural way to say? not old-fashion?

Thank you!

I think they are both fine but perhaps the first option is better. Also, the term is "old-fashioned".

Hope that helps.

 

[Heidi]

Yes you could, but the "on holiday" part really tells you why they flew there. Compare it with "flew to Greece for/on business."



I think they are both fine but perhaps the first option is better. Also, the term is "old-fashioned".

Hope that helps.

Yes, Munch, it really helps. Thanks!