On Saturday versus on a Saturday

[sebayanpendam]

Hi,Is there any difference between 'on Saturday' and 'on a Saturday'?E.g.The government servants are still working on a Saturday.Thanks

 

[SlickVic9000]

(Not a Teacher)

Yes. "On Saturday" usually references the coming Saturday. "On a Saturday" could mean any Saturday.

 

[BobK]

Yes. 'On a Saturday' is habitual or regular; it often has the same sense as 'on Saturdays' or 'every Saturday'.

Examples:
On a Saturday I would normally go for a walk.

On Saturday I will go for a walk.

b

PS This habitual sense is possible without the article:

My son used to have school on Saturday/on a Saturday/on Saturdays

But if you use the indefinite article you are referring to a habit or regular practice.

 

[SlickVic9000]

Looks like there are two of these threads

 

[BobK]

I've merged these two threads.

b

 

[SlickVic9000]

And now the circle is complete