Autumn is almost here … or should we say fall? 🍁

Both words are correct. Fall is more common in American English, while autumn is more common in British English.

You may also hear different answers to the question, “When does autumn begin?” Meteorological autumn starts on September 1, while astronomical autumn begins with the autumn equinox, usually around September 22 or 23.

Whether you’re already wearing a sweater or still sitting next to the air conditioner, you can officially start talking about autumn.

Let’s learn 10 natural autumn phrases and questions for conversations with international colleagues and clients.

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How do you start a conversation about autumn in English?

The easiest way is to ask how the season is changing where the other person lives:

Is it starting to feel like fall where you are?

Is September still warm in your city?

Has the weather changed much lately?

These questions work particularly well before an online meeting. They’re more interesting than another “How are you?”, but not so personal that everyone suddenly pretends their microphone has stopped working :)

🍂 Useful autumn vocabulary:

• crisp = pleasantly cool and fresh
• chilly = slightly and uncomfortably cold
• mild = neither very hot nor very cold
• to cool down = to become less hot

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How can you talk about returning to work after summer?

For many professionals, September feels like a second New Year. Summer vacations are ending and calendars are filling up.

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You could ask:

Are things getting busier for your team?

Do you have a busy fall ahead?

Have you gotten back into your usual routine yet?

*To get back into a routine means to return to your regular habits after a break.

You can also use get back into the swing of things (= become comfortable with your usual activities again):

It took me a few days to get back into the swing of things after my vacation.

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How do you ask about someone’s autumn plans?

Talking about upcoming plans is an easy way to move the conversation beyond the weather.

Try these questions:

Do you have anything planned for the fall?

Is there anything you’re looking forward to this season?

Are you attending any conferences this fall?

Remember: The best small talk feels like a conversation, not an interview. Ask a question, listen to the answer, and share something of your own.

You don’t need a clever story or a perfect joke to start a conversation. Sometimes one simple question is enough:

— “Is it starting to feel like fall where you are?”

And if the answer is “No, it’s still 30°C here,” that’s a conversation starter too!

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