NewsBlues mrsbgrammar Page 146
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Mrs. Bluezette's Grammar Guide
seasonal/seasonable
"Seasonal" and "seasonable" are words that Mrs. B has always had
trouble with.
So this lesson if for her, but you're welcome to listen in.
"Seasonal" is about what depends on or is controlled by the season
of the year.
Something that's "seasonal" varies with the season.
v
El Nino is behind these SEASONAL changes in the weather.
v
We're seeing a SEASONAL rise in unemployment.
v
Skiing is a SEASONAL sport.
"Seasonable" applies to what is appropriate to the season or to
something that's timely.
Something that is "seasonable" is typical of the season.
It means something is happening during the right season.
It's the opportune time.
v
In this heat, his lightweight clothing is SEASONABLE.
v
These high temperatures are SEASONABLE for late October in
Florida.
Here's an entry from The American Heritage Book of English Usage
that might help you keep the two closely related words straight:
v
Rains are SEASONAL if they occur during the spring.
v
They're SEASONABLE at any time if they save the crops.
