ENGLISH
REFERENCE

in the summer

prep. phr..
A1 Beginner Oxford

prep. phr.. During the summer season, which is the warmest time of the year.

prep. phr.. A prepositional phrase indicating that an event or state occurs during the summer season.


SIMPLE

We go to the beach in the summer.

CONTEXTUAL

In the summer, the days are long and it's often warm enough to swim outside.

COMPLEX

Many migratory birds that winter in the south return to their northern breeding grounds in the summer, a journey dictated by ancient instinct.

Usage

Used to talk about things that happen during the summer months, either every year or during a specific one.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'on' for specific dates (on July 4th) and 'at' for specific times (at noon); 'in' is used for longer periods like months, seasons, and years.

Pitfall

We go to the beach on the summer.We go to the beach in the summer.Use the preposition 'in' for seasons, months, and years.

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