The subtle difference between the phrases “in winter” and “in the winter” can be a subject of confusion for any reader or writer. It is difficult to know which version of the phrase is correct. This brief article will explain the meaning of each phrase, using examples to help.
Is It “In Winter” Or “In The Winter”?
Both the phrases “in winter” and “in the winter” are correct and acceptable to use within a sentence. “In winter” should be used in a sentence when referring generally to winter; the coldest season. “In the winter” refers to the coldest season, but with emphasis and specificity.
However, the two phrases “in winter” and “in the winter” are often used interchangeably and it is a matter of personal choice which to use; most people choose whichever sounds most natural in the sentence.
When Should I Use “In Winter”?
The phrase “in winter” should be used in a sentence when referring generally to winter; the time of the year which is the coldest. This phrase could be used when discussing something, such as an event, that happens in wintertime.
How and when to use the phrase “in winter” can be difficult to grasp. Consult the following unique sentence examples to elevate your understanding of this phrase:
- In winter, I enjoy cooking warm hearty meals, such as stews, casseroles, and thick vegetable soups.
- In winter, driving conditions are usually terrible in my area; I am quite concerned about having an accident.
- In winter, I usually spend too much money on Christmas presents for my friends and children.
- In winter, there are fewer snowfalls than in previous years, although my son disagrees with this statement.
When Should I Use “In The Winter”?
The phrase “in the winter” should be used when referring to winter with emphasis, or referring to a specific winter during a particular time. When using the phrase “in the winter”, this could indicate that this particular is one of significance or importance to the speaker or listener.
To help you to understand how and when to use the phrase “in the winter” in your sentences, check out the following examples:
- In the winter of 1962 when my mother was a child, it snowed more heavily than in recent years.
- In the winter months I can start to feel depressed because of the grey skies.
- In the winter of 1996 I gave birth to my first child; it is a winter I will always remember.
- In the winter months next year, I will try to prepare for Christmas a bit earlier than usual because I am always disorganized.
Are “In Winter” and “In The Winter” Interchangeable?
The phrases “in winter” and “in the winter” are often used interchangeably in sentences because there is little difference in the meaning of the phrases. Which phrase to opt for is more of a personal choice of what sounds good in the context of the sentence.
Even though the phrase “in the winter” can refer to the wintery months with more significance and specificity, both phrases are often used interchangeably.
This rule can be applied when referring to other seasons of the year too; summer, spring, and autumn.
Is “In Winter” Or “In The Winter” Used The Most?
The phrase “in winter” is currently used more than the phrase “in the winter”.
This graph from Google Ngram Viewer shows the usage of the two similar phrases “in winter” and “in the winter” in the period 1800 to 2019. The line in red represents the usage of “in the winter” and the line in blue represents “in winter”.
As you can see, the graph illustrates that the phrase “in winter” is the most used, although usage of both phrases is decreasing over the years.
Is It “On Winter” Or “In Winter”?
Both the phrases “on winter” and “in winter” are correct and acceptable to use in a sentence, but they have different meanings. “In winter” refers generally to winter the season, whilst “on winter” refers specifically to more than one occurrence taking place in winter.
To help to clarify the difference between “on winter” and “in winter” take note of the sentences examples below:
- On winter mornings I like to take the dog out for a walk.
- In winter snow usually falls and the weather is cold.
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Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
