september
High (A1)Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The ninth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, following August and preceding October.
Often associated with the beginning of autumn (fall), the start of the school/university year, the end of summer holidays, and the harvest season in temperate regions. In some contexts, it can metaphorically signify a period of transition, reflection, or a new beginning.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The name of the month is always capitalized. Its meaning is purely calendrical, though it carries strong cultural associations related to seasonal change and institutional calendars (e.g., school year). It originates from Latin 'septem' (seven), as it was the seventh month in the old Roman calendar.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. American English is more likely to use 'Fall' alongside 'Autumn'. The school/academic year typically starts slightly earlier in the UK (early September) than in many parts of the US (late August/early September).
Connotations
Similar connotations of ending summer and starting a new cycle (school, work). In the UK, it strongly connotes the end of the summer holiday and 'back to school'. In the US, it is linked to the start of the NFL season and Labor Day weekend.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Event] happens in September.We are starting [project] in September.The weather in September is [adjective].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “An Indian summer (a warm period in late autumn, often occurring in September)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Q3 closes at the end of September.
Academic
The autumn term commences in September.
Everyday
My birthday is in September.
Technical
The equinox occurs on September 22nd or 23rd.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Non-standard/rare) - Not applicable as a standard verb.
American English
- (Non-standard/rare) - Not applicable as a standard verb.
adverb
British English
- (Non-standard) - Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- (Non-standard) - Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- We're planning the September conference.
- The September edition is out now.
American English
- We're planning the September meeting.
- The September issue is out now.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- School starts in September.
- It is often sunny in September.
- We are moving house early next September.
- The weather usually begins to cool down in late September.
- The company's fiscal year ends on the 30th of September.
- Having the wedding in September allowed for perfect autumnal photographs.
- The September equinox marks the astronomical beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.
- His new novel, slated for a September release, is already generating significant pre-publication buzz.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SEP' for 'school starts', 'TEM' for 'temperature drops', 'BER' for 'berries are harvested' -> September.
Conceptual Metaphor
September is a door (transition from one state to another); September is a blank page (a new beginning).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Remember it is always capitalized ('сентябрь' -> 'September').
- The 'r' at the end is pronounced in American English.
Common Mistakes
- Writing 'september' without a capital letter.
- Misspelling as 'Septemper' or 'Septmber'.
Practice
Quiz
Why is the month called September?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as it is a proper noun (the name of a specific month), it is always capitalized.
The most common abbreviations are 'Sep.', 'Sept.', and sometimes just 'S' in very limited contexts like charts.
Yes. Use 'in September' for the entire month or an unspecified time within it. Use 'on' only with a specific date, e.g., 'on September 5th'.
In the Northern Hemisphere, September is the first month of autumn/fall. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the first month of spring.
Collections
Part of a collection
Numbers and Time
A1 · 50 words · Numbers, dates, days and expressions of time.