What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vacation
Example
I'm going on vacation next week to Hawaii. [vacation: noun]
Example
She is vacationing in Europe this summer. [vacationing: present participle]
leave
Example
He took a leave of absence to care for his sick mother. [leave: noun]
Example
She is leaving work early today for a doctor's appointment. [leaving: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vacation is more commonly used than leave in American English, while leave is more commonly used in British English. Both words are commonly used in formal and informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vacation and leave?
Both vacation and leave can be used in formal and informal contexts, but leave may be more formal due to its association with employment and educational policies.
