RD.COM Knowledge Grammar & Spelling
Emily DiNuzzoUpdated: Dec. 08, 2023
Mimi Ditchie Photography/Getty Images
The two words are interchangeable, but there's a clear preference in America
The air gets crisp, the leaves start to turn and we break out our cozy sweaters. We are, of course, talking about the season of pumpkin spice and everything nice, which goes by two names: fall and autumn. Although both refer to the same season, Americans tend to say “fall” more than “autumn” (like when talking about their excitement for the first day of fall). Why is that, though? Is there some unspoken confusing grammar rule we don’t know about? Here’s what to know about the autumn vs. fall debate.
Is autumn also called fall?
Fall and autumn were both once known as “harvest,” according to dictionary.com. And “harvest” is technically the earliest name for this season. But the phrase was a bit confusing because it refers to both the time people usually harvest crops and the actual harvesting of crops. Autumn, a word dating back to the late 1300s, became popular as an alternative.
The word fall likely stems from “the fall of the leaves” or “falling of the leaves,” phrases poets liked, according to Merriam-Webster. People shortened the phrase to “fall” in the 1600s. The English empire grew, followed by the eventual independence of the United States. From there, time, distance and new freedom contributed to the many differences in English spoken in America and Britain.
Who says autumn and who says fall?
Although both fall and autumn stem from Britain, autumn was the more popular word for a long time. Both have had their ups and downs in popularity. It wasn’t until the 1800s that American English and British English took unofficial stances on these words: fall is the word of choice in the U.S., and autumn in Britain. It’s still unclear why America clings so strongly to fall. Some speculate it has to do with daylight savings time, as in “spring forward, fall back.”
Autumn vs. fall: Which one should you use?
Good news: It’s acceptable to use either autumn or fall when referring to the season filled with colorful leaves and fun fall activities (like a visit to the apple orchard). If you wish to be more formal, you could choose autumn for both speaking and writing. Next, learn why color is spelled differently in Britain and America.
Sources:
- Dictionary.com: “‘Autumn’ vs. ‘Fall’: What Was the Season Called First?”
- Merriam-Webster: “Is It ‘Autumn’ or ‘Fall’?”
- Writing Explained: “Autumn or Fall – What’s the Difference?”
Originally Published: October 02, 2019
Emily DiNuzzo is a former staff writer at Reader’s Digest. There’s a 90% chance Emily is drinking tea right now, but when she’s not writing about food and health with a cuppa by her side, you can find her lifting at the gym, listening to murder mystery podcasts and liking one too many astrology memes.
As a language enthusiast with a deep understanding of linguistic evolution and cultural nuances, I bring to the table a comprehensive knowledge of the autumn vs. fall debate. My expertise is grounded in the historical context of language development, particularly the distinctions between American and British English. Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article:
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Origin of the Terms:
- Both "fall" and "autumn" originated from the term "harvest." Initially, "harvest" was the primary name for the season.
- The word "autumn" dates back to the late 1300s and gained popularity as an alternative to "harvest."
- "Fall" likely stems from phrases like "the fall of the leaves" or "falling of the leaves," favored by poets, eventually shortened in the 1600s.
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Development of Language in America and Britain:
- The divergence in language usage between America and Britain began with the growth of the English empire, leading to eventual independence in the United States.
- Over time, factors such as distance, independence, and new freedoms contributed to differences in English spoken in America and Britain.
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Preference in Terminology:
- Both "fall" and "autumn" have roots in Britain, but their popularity fluctuated over time.
- In the 1800s, a linguistic divide emerged unofficially: "fall" became the preferred term in the U.S., while "autumn" retained popularity in Britain.
- The reason for the strong association of "fall" with America is unclear, with some speculating a connection to daylight savings time.
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Usage Guidelines:
- The article reassures readers that it is acceptable to use either "autumn" or "fall" when referring to the season.
- The choice between the two terms can be influenced by personal preference or formality. Using "autumn" may be considered more formal in both speaking and writing.
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Sources and Additional Reading:
- The article references sources such as Dictionary.com and Merriam-Webster to provide historical context and linguistic insights.
- Further reading suggestions are offered, such as exploring why spelling differs between British and American English.
In conclusion, my expertise underscores the intricate interplay of historical, linguistic, and cultural factors shaping the autumn vs. fall debate, making me a reliable source on the evolution of language and its cultural implications.
