in spring
Talking about the season
Use in spring or in the spring for events happening during that season.
The birds return in spring.
In spring or of spring?
Use in spring for the season. Of spring is used in descriptive phrases such as the colours of spring.
Quick answer
Which form is correct?
Use in spring to talk about time during the season. Of spring usually connects something to the season in a descriptive way.
Flowers bloom in spring.
We usually travel in the spring.
She loves the colours of spring.
We usually travel in the spring.
She loves the colours of spring.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
of spring
Describing qualities connected to spring
Of spring links a noun to the season.
The air carried the freshness of spring.
spring semester
Using spring as an adjective
Spring can directly modify another noun.
Classes begin in the spring semester.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
in spring
Tourists arrive in spring.
During the season of spring.
of spring
The scent of spring filled the garden.
Connected to the qualities of spring.
during spring
Rain is common during spring.
Another way to refer to the season.
springtime
Springtime is my favourite season.
A noun meaning the spring season.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using of spring for time
Of spring does not normally indicate when something happens.
✕ We travel of spring. ✓ We travel in spring.Forgetting the article in some styles
Both in spring and in the spring are correct, depending on style and region.
✓ They married in the spring.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. Many plants grow quickly ___ spring.
2. The colours ___ spring are bright and fresh.
3. Snow sometimes remains ___ the spring.
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Frequently asked questions
Is in spring correct?
Yes. It is a common way to talk about the season.
What does of spring mean?
It describes something associated with spring, such as the smell of spring.
Can I say in the spring?
Yes. Both in spring and in the spring are widely used.
Related preposition guides
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