In fall or in the fall

[Naeem PTC]

Hi teachers,

1) Leaves fall from the trees in autumn. If I use "fall" instead, do I have to add "the"? As "Leaves fall from the trees in the fall." ?
2) The trees are coming into leaf. Means it is growing leaves? Why is "leaf" used?

Many thanks.

 

[emsr2d2]

Hi teachers,

1) Leaves fall from the trees in autumn. If I use "fall" instead, do I have to add "the"? As "Leaves fall from the trees in the fall." ?
2) The trees are coming into leaf. Means it is growing leaves? Why is "leaf" used?

Many thanks.

In BrE, we use "autumn" not "fall" for the season and, in your sentence, we would not necessarily use the article (though there's nothing wrong with it).

Leaves fall from the trees in autumn.
Leaves fall from the trees in the autumn.

If a tree is "in leaf" it means it currently has leaves on its branches. If it is "coming into leaf" then the leaves are starting to show through.

 

[Naeem PTC]

Thank you.
Leaves fall...in fall or in the fall.

 

[emsr2d2]

Thank you.
Leaves fall...in fall or in the fall.

You will have to wait for an AmE speaker to confirm that one for you. I can only tell you that in BrE, and using the word "autumn", the definite article is optional.

 

[5jj]

You will have to wait for an AmE speaker to confirm that one for you.

While we are waiting, here's a limerick in which 'the' is used.

There once was a fellow named Hall
Who died in a spring in a fall.
'Twould have been a sad thing
Had he died in the spring
But he didn't, he died in the fall.

 

[SoothingDave]

I would say "the fall" in this example.

 

[Rover_KE]

I would say "the fall" in this example.

Do you mean in 5jj's limerick?

Without 'the' it wouldn't scan.

Rover

 

[SoothingDave]

I meant in the original poster's sentence. I could live with or without the "the," but I think in most cases it sound better with it.