chuck it down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'chuck it down' is correct, although it is more commonly used in spoken English.
It is used to mean "throw it down" and can be used in both informal and more casual contexts. For example:"I was so frustrated that I just chucked my phone down onto the floor!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Fifteen overs into the day the skies opened and it started to chuck it down, leaving the TalkSport team to fill and muse and chatter pleasantly enough over updates on the size of the puddles on the covers.

The Guardian - Sport

This way, asthmatics, for example, could be advised to take an extra puff on their inhalers because of impending thunderstorms (which can trigger attacks in some sufferers), in the same way that we now get warnings to take out our umbrellas because it's likely to chuck it down with rain.

The Guardian

We're in for something different in Malaysia this weekend - and I hope it doesn't chuck it down, because standing outside in the rain under an umbrella definitely takes some of the fun out of doing television.

BBC

Take a rock and chuck it down the ice.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Chucking it down".

Independent

Chucking it down, in fact.

The Guardian

Rain update: it is, sadly, chucking it down again.

The Guardian - Sport

10.40am: It's chucking it down in Wales.

The Guardian - Sport

My first day canvassing it was chucking it down with rain – and I absolutely loved it.

The Guardian

Nick secured a rope, and chucked it down over the edge.

The Guardian - Travel

It's chucking it down outside, but there is love in the building.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chuck it down" to add color to informal writing and speech, but be mindful of your audience as it is a colloquial expression. In formal contexts, opt for "rain heavily" or "pour down".

Common error

Avoid using "chuck it down" in formal reports, academic papers, or professional correspondence, as it may come across as unprofessional or too casual. Choose more formal alternatives like "heavy rain" or "torrential rain" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chuck it down" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase, primarily used to describe the action of raining heavily. The phrase adds emphasis to the intensity of the rain. According to Ludwig AI, "chuck it down" is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chuck it down" is an idiomatic verb phrase mainly used in British English to describe heavy rainfall. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While suitable for informal contexts, it should be avoided in formal writing. More formal alternatives include "rain heavily" or "pour down". It's primarily used in news and media, reflecting its role in adding color to descriptions of weather. Remember to consider your audience and the context when choosing whether to use this colloquial expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pour down

A more standard and widely accepted way to describe heavy rain.

rain heavily

A straightforward and neutral description of intense rainfall.

bucket down

Similar to "chuck it down", implying rain falling as if from a bucket; still quite informal.

tip down

Similar to "bucket down", implies rain falling as if a container is being tipped.

teem down

Implies rain that is abundant and forceful.

come down in sheets

Describes rain that is falling in large, continuous streams.

rain cats and dogs

A very common idiom for heavy rain, although it can sound cliché.

lash down

Suggests a more violent and forceful downpour.

deluge down

Implies an overwhelming amount of rain.

rain pitchforks

Suggests the rain is hard and sharp.

FAQs

What does "chuck it down" mean?

The phrase "chuck it down" is a British English idiom that means to rain heavily. It is a colloquial way to describe a downpour.

What's a more formal way to say "chuck it down"?

More formal alternatives to "chuck it down" include "rain heavily", "pour down", or "torrential rain". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is "chuck it down" appropriate for all types of writing?

No, "chuck it down" is best suited for informal contexts like casual conversations or informal writing. Avoid it in formal settings where a more professional tone is required.

Can I use "chucking it down" instead of "chuck it down"?

Yes, "chucking it down" is the present participle form and is used to describe rain that is currently falling heavily. For example, "It's chucking it down outside!"