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Autumn and fall are used interchangeably as nouns or words for the season between summer and winter. While both are used in American and British English, fall is more often used in American English. Moreover, autumn is considered more formal for the season.
It’s still unknown why fall thrived in America—although, during the mid-1800s, American lexicographers considered fall to be entirely American. Despite that, fall is still occasionally used in British English-speaking countries and only in some set phrases.
When to Use Autumn
You use autumn when referring to the season between summer and winter. Moreover, autumn is more commonly used in British English and is considered more formal.
Examples:
When autumn began, I started becoming excited.
Autumn is my favorite season.
It was autumn when I started learning to play the guitar.
I love Taylor Swift’s All Too Well (Sad Girl Autumn Version) song.
Note: There are grammatical patterns where you should be careful when using autumn. Check your grammar using an AI writing tool if you need help.
Grammatical Patterns with Autumn
Using “in autumn” or “in the autumn” is correct.
Examples:
The leaves turn red in autumn.
She’ll go on vacation in the autumn.
In autumn, I enjoy the slightly colder weather.
Using “in” in “last autumn/this autumn” is incorrect.
Examples:
They moved in together this autumn. (correct)
They moved in together in this autumn. (incorrect)
Jen and Jack got divorced last autumn. (correct)
Jen and Jack got divorced in last autumn. (incorrect)
Using “in” in “that autumn/next autumn” is incorrect.
Examples:
I remember what happened that autumn. (correct)
I remember what happened in that autumn. (incorrect)
I plan to do general cleaning next autumn. (correct)
I plan to do general cleaning in next autumn (incorrect)
When to Use Fall
You use fall the same way you use autumn as a noun when referring to the season between summer and winter. Furthermore, fall is more commonly used in American English and is considered less formal.
Examples:
Fall makes me feel relaxed.
It is fall when I’m more inspired to write songs.
During fall, I’m mesmerized by the beauty of my surroundings.
I know it’s already fall when the air becomes colder than usual.
Note: There are grammatical patterns where you should be careful when using fall. Use grammar tools if needed.
Grammatical Patterns with Fall
Using “in fall” or “in the fall” is correct.
Examples:
I like how the colors change in fall.
She’ll go on vacation in the fall.
In fall, it’s more fun to go on a walk.
Using “in” in “last fall/this fall” is incorrect.
Examples:
I’m starting a business this fall. (correct)
I’m starting a business in this fall. (incorrect)
There is a new store opening next fall. (correct)
There is a new store opening in next fall (incorrect)
Using “in” in “that fall/next fall” is incorrect.
Examples:
I’ll always cherish that fall. (correct)
I’ll always cherish in that fall. (incorrect)
There is a new store opening next fall. (correct)
There is a new store opening in next fall (incorrect)
Conclusion: Autumn or Fall?
While fall and autumn are terms used interchangeably to indicate the season between summer and winter, there’s an apparent preference for fall in American English and autumn in British English.
Autumn is more formal than fall, and the latter is more often used in daily conversations, especially in America. Nonetheless, it’s not a grammatical issue even if you use them interchangeably (although British readers may react a little if you use fall whereas American readers wouldn’t mind if you used either word.)
References:
Merriam Webster Dictionary. (n.d). Is it Autumn or Fall? In https://www.merriam-webster.com/ dictionary. Retrieved Jan 27, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/autumn-vs-fall
Longman Dictionary. (n.d.). Autumn. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved Jan 27, 2022, from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/autumn
Longman Dictionary. (n.d.). Fall. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved Jan 27, 2022, from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/fall
