(a) holiday abroad

Question

Hi,Which would sound best for an essay title?:1) Advantages and disadvantages of holiday abroad?2) Advantages and disadvantages of a holiday abroad?3) Advantages and disadvantages of holidays abroad?Does 1) refer to holiday in general and 2) only to one particular holiday? I'm always confused about that noun; I can't quite tell where should I have "a holiday", "holiday", or "holidays". If you've got any tips to share, please do so

Ferdis · Accepted Answer

#3 probably. I'd also prefer the shorter "pros and cons".

MichalS · Answer

OK thanks for this suggestion.

But how about the grammatical difference between them?

Ferdis · Answer

(1) is wrong and shouldn't be used
(2) is singular: one holiday
(3) is plural

I believe that when one is talking about a general fact, the plural form is standard. You don't mean just one holiday; you mean holidays in general. That's why I said #3.

Perhaps native speakers can confirm or deny this? Holidays is a rather peculiar word.

Dimsumexpress · Answer

Michael,

May I suggest an alternative? I think "vacationing abroad" will eliminate the problem.

In the US, the word "holiday" almost is never used to mean a few days off from work. Yes, we observe holidays like, Washington's Birthday, July 4th, Labor Day, Memorial Day and so on. ANd each one is a "holiday". If I am going to Hawaii for a week, I will tell people I am going to Hawaii for vacation.

Dnguha · Answer

By the first expression, you mean to generalise the experiences abroad. Here, the noun "holiday"denotes uncountable period, and therefore, needs no determiner. Examples:-1. Man is mortal 2.This shop sells furniture. 3. There are advantages and disadvantages of spending night in a jungle.

By the second expression, you particularise the experiences . Here, the duration is bound within one day. Therefore, the determiner "a" is used. Ex-1.Visit to a countryside. 2. London streets in a working day.

As for the third one, you leave out any determiner before the noun and make it plural to make a generalization (similar to the first case). the expression "..of holidays abroad" stands a noun phrase.

Ex-1. He sells cars for a living. 2 Onions are good for you.

MichalS · Answer

Thanks guys for the replies!

But who's gonna clear up my confusion about:

1) Advantages and disadvantages of holiday abroad?

Is it incorrect, as dnguha suggests, or correct, as Ferdis suggests? I mean, we often find the word 'holiday' in the singular and without any preceding article, but this is usually so in the fixed phrase 'on vacation' and I'm not sure if it's possible to have it in a sentence like 1) above.

dimsumexpress,
Thanks, the solution is perfect.

But if you wanted to sound British, would you say that 1) is ok?

dnguhaBy the second expression, you particularise the experiences . Here, the duration is bound within one day. Therefore, the determiner "a" is used.

dnguha,
I think I got your point but do you mean that 'a holiday' in 2) (Advantages and disadvantages of a holiday abroad?) refers to one day?

BarbaraPA · Answer

I would never say "holiday abroad."

I would use "a holiday abroad." It refers to ANY holiday that you may take abroad, not only ONE holiday.

Using "the" refers to a specific holiday, and doesn't make sense.

MichalS · Answer

Hi GG,
Thanks for responding. How about:

- The children were excited about going on holiday abroad?

Would you say it's incorrect?

BarbaraPA · Answer

As an American, I wouldn't say "on holiday" myself. I'd say "on vacation."

So in American vernacular:
The advantages and disadvantages of vacation abroad. - no
The advantages and disadvantages of a vacation abroad. - yes
The advantages and disadvantages of the vacation abroad. - no

The advantages and disadvantages of vacationing abroad. - yes

(a) holiday abroad

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