Gaining fluency in a new language often begins with learning the basic vocabulary, such as numbers, days of the week, and, of course, months. In English, the months of the year hold a significant place in daily conversations, appointments, and even cultural references. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of saying the months in English, providing various tips and examples along the way.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways of Saying the Months
The formal way of referring to the months in English is typically used in professional settings, academic contexts, or when communicating with people you don’t have a close relationship with. Let’s take a look at the list below:
1. January: This month is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions. 2. February: February’s name comes from the Latin word “februum,” which means purification, as it was a month of purification rituals in ancient Rome. 3. March: Named after Mars, the Roman god of war. 4. April: Derived from the Latin word “aperire,” which means “to open,” symbolizing the opening of flowers and trees in spring. 5. May: Named after Maia, the Roman goddess of spring and growth. 6. June: Named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth. 7. July: Originally named Quintilis, meaning “fifth” in Latin, but later renamed to honor Julius Caesar. 8. August: Previously known as Sextilis, meaning “sixth” in Latin, and renamed to honor Augustus Caesar. 9. September: Derived from the Latin word “septem,” meaning “seven.” 10. October: From the Latin word “octo,” meaning “eight.” 11. November: Derived from “novem,” Latin for “nine.” 12. December: The name comes from “decem,” which means “ten” in Latin.
2. Informal Ways of Saying the Months
Informal ways of referring to the months are commonly used in everyday conversations, interactions with friends, or when speaking to family members. Here’s a more conversational list of the months:
- Jan: January
- Feb: February
- Mar: March
- Apr: April
- May:
- Jun: June
- Jul: July
- Aug: August
- Sep: September
- Oct: October
- Nov: November
- Dec: December
3. Tips for Remembering the Months
Learning the months of the year in English can be challenging, especially for non-native speakers. Here are some tips to help you remember:
1. Mnemonic devices: Create associations or acronyms to help you remember the order. For example, “JASON FOAM JUMPED around silently” represents January, February, March, and so on.
2. Visual aids: Use flashcards or create a calendar to visualize the months and their order.
3. Practice: Regularly test yourself or engage in activities that involve saying or writing the months. Repetition is key to memorization.
4. Regional Variations
English is spoken in different regions worldwide, and while the months’ names largely remain the same, some regional variations exist. Here are a few:
British English: The British use the word “autumn” instead of “fall” to refer to the season before winter, which begins in September. So, September, October, and November are often associated with autumn in British English.
Australian English: Australians commonly use the term “reckon” to refer to the idea that a month will soon occur. For instance, “I reckon August will be great.” It adds a personal touch to informal conversations.
It’s important to note that these regional variations are not significant enough to hamper communication or understanding between native English speakers and learners.
Conclusion
The months of the year are vital components of English vocabulary. By now, you should feel more confident in both the formal and informal ways of saying the months in English. Remember to practice regularly and utilize mnemonic devices or visual aids to enhance your memorization skills. Don’t hesitate to engage in conversations that involve talking about dates or months to solidify your knowledge. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself effortlessly using the months in various contexts, enriching your overall English proficiency. Happy learning!
