be rained on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be rained on" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone or something that is experiencing rain or metaphorically to indicate being subjected to criticism or negativity. Example: "I didn't want to be rained on during the outdoor event." Alternative expressions include "get wet" and "be exposed to rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

And although it pleased me to try to live up to their starry-eyed vision of the English rose they assumed I was (they were shocked at how I knocked back whiskey, for example), occasionally it worried me that one day they would visit London, be rained on getting the open-top to Madame Tussauds, or be served soggy fish and chips by a rude waiter.

The Guardian - Tech

"It's meant to be rained on".

The New York Times

"There is drizzle and there is shit to be rained on, but there is no sky," I said.

The New Yorker

Nick and Deborah battle and reconcile, alternately plead with and insult each other, weep, eat Mexican food, get drunk on margaritas, negotiate divorce terms, giggle, buy clothes, celebrate over caviar and champagne, then battle again, all without ever having to be rained on or to face the sun.

The New York Times

(2) An application for 24 h was discarded for practical reasons as the drying poultices can fall down, be rained on, or damaged by passers-by.

Heritage Science

Just any trees or all trees that might be rained on or snowed on, and that would be suitable nesting places for robins.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It may be raining on some parades.

Huffington Post

Stephen Mallinder was hospitalised after one gig in which objects were rained on them.

The Guardian - Music

They had been rained on and were useless, but she didn't know this.

The New Yorker

Octophobia – Fear of the figure 8. Ombrophobia- Fear of rain or of being rained on.

The New Yorker

We feel like our parade was rained on a little bit the last time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be rained on" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the figurative meaning to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "be rained on by" when the agent (who or what is doing the raining) is not relevant or known; the passive construction already implies an external force.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be rained on" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is receiving the action of the verb 'rain'. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be rained on" is a grammatically correct passive verb phrase, as verified by Ludwig, used to describe the experience of receiving rain, either literally or metaphorically. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. While not extremely common, understanding its usage and potential figurative meanings can enhance writing clarity. Remember to consider the context when interpreting or using this phrase, ensuring the intended meaning is clear to the audience. With the information provided by Ludwig, you can confidently use and understand "be rained on" in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be showered with rain

Similar to being rained on but emphasizes the quantity or intensity.

get soaked in rain

Emphasizes the saturation aspect of being exposed to rain.

be drenched by rain

Focuses on the thorough wetting caused by the rain.

be caught in a downpour

Highlights the unexpected nature of being exposed to heavy rain.

be subjected to rainfall

A more formal and passive way of saying "be rained on".

undergo a deluge

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the experience, whether literal or figurative.

bear the brunt of the rain

Highlights the negative impact or force of the rain.

endure a shower

Suggests a brief experience of being rained on.

experience rainfall

A general way to express being exposed to rain.

face a storm

Metaphorically implies confronting difficult circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "be rained on" in a sentence?

You can use "be rained on" to describe a literal experience of being exposed to rain, such as, "I didn't want to be rained on during the picnic". It can also be used metaphorically to mean facing negativity or criticism.

What is the difference between "be rained on" and "it's raining"?

"Be rained on" describes the experience of a person or object undergoing rainfall, while "it's raining" is a statement about the current weather condition.

What does it mean when someone says their parade was "be rained on"?

If someone says their parade was "be rained on", it means their celebration or success was dampened or negatively impacted by something.

What are some alternative ways to say "be rained on"?

Some alternative phrases include "get soaked in rain", "be caught in a downpour", or "be drenched by rain".