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school holiday — break from school

collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon

A period when students do not have to go to school, usually for a few days or weeks.

Say it like a native

Textbook The pupils are presently on their scheduled educational recess.

Native The kids are off for the school holidays.

'School holidays' is plain; 'scheduled educational recess' is absurd.

Pattern: school holiday (noun phrase); on/during/over the school holiday(s)

In use

  • Many families go on trips during the school holidays.daily life
  • During the school holidays, I usually try to learn a new skill or take part in a short course.IELTS speaking

Common mistake

✗ We travel in the school holiday.

✓ We travel in the school holidays.

Usually plural 'the school holidays'.

Common collocations

  • school holiday + context — the school holidays, during the holidays, summer holidays, half term

Don't confuse it

Not the same as a public holiday, which is a day off for everyone, not just students.

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