In the winter or in winter

[Simon]

Hey!

There is a detail but I dunno why people say:
- in winter or
- in the winter (and in the others seasons)?

Does the usage of the expressions in different cases is logic?

Thanks in advance,
Simon

[Alan]

Hi Simon,

The use of the definite article in such an expression is a question of specificity. I can say: In winter people often become depressed and unhappy. This is as it were a very general statement and not really specific or particular. When I say: In the winter we always have a fire in the sitting room, which seems to make everyone in the house feel contented., I am referring to a particular situation.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story A New Season

[Guest]

Thank you Alan.